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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 46
by Stuart, Woods,Stone Barrington, preoccupied with thoughts of contacting Arrington, realizes he cannot reach her as she is staying at Vance Calder’s Palm Springs house. As he approaches the Shipwright’s Arms, he notices a large man in a seersucker suit at the bar, who bears a striking resemblance to Paul Manning, a key figure in Allison’s case. Stone initially wonders if Manning’s presumed death was a mistake, but the man introduces himself as Frank Stendahl, a New Englander on vacation. Stendahl’s curiosity about the upcoming trial and Allison’s innocence raises Stone’s suspicions, though he remains outwardly polite.
Stendahl’s behavior becomes increasingly peculiar as he probes Stone and the bartender, Thomas, for details about the trial and Allison. Despite his claims of being a tourist, his aggressive questioning and lack of subtlety make Thomas doubt his authenticity. Stone, too, finds Stendahl’s interest unusual, especially given the trial’s high-profile nature. The man’s expensive Hartmann luggage and solitary presence further complicate his story, as neither aligns with typical tourist or law enforcement behavior. Stone and Thomas exchange wary observations, but neither can pinpoint Stendahl’s true motives.
After changing into casual attire, Stendahl attempts to explore the marina but is stopped by police guards. He redirects his walk toward the harbor’s edge, disappearing from view. Stone, unsettled by the encounter, asks Thomas to gather more information if Stendahl returns. Though Stone dismisses him as a potentially harmless trial enthusiast, Thomas remains skeptical, noting Stendahl’s persistent probing and unusual demeanor. The chapter ends with Stone retreating to his room, downplaying the threat but leaving the reader with lingering questions about Stendahl’s intentions.
The chapter effectively builds tension through Stendahl’s enigmatic presence and the unresolved mystery surrounding his identity. Stone’s internal conflict—balancing caution with skepticism—mirrors the broader uncertainty of Allison’s case. The dialogue and descriptions create a sense of unease, hinting at deeper layers to the story. While Stone tries to rationalize Stendahl’s behavior, the chapter leaves room for doubt, setting the stage for potential revelations in subsequent chapters.
FAQs
1. What initial assumption does Stone make about the man in the seersucker suit, and what causes him to reconsider this assumption?
Answer:
Stone initially assumes the man might be Paul Manning, Allison’s supposedly deceased husband, due to his physical resemblance to Manning’s photograph (minus the beard). This thought arises from a fleeting hope that Manning might still be alive, which would exonerate Allison. However, Stone quickly reconsiders when the man introduces himself as Frank Stendahl and engages in conversation, revealing details about his background and behavior that don’t align with Manning’s profile. Thomas’s observations about Stendahl’s lack of subtlety further dispel the idea that he could be Manning or a cop.2. Analyze the significance of Stendahl’s behavior and Thomas’s observations. What might they suggest about his true intentions?
Answer:
Stendahl’s behavior—such as aggressively pumping Thomas for information about Allison and the trial, his unusual interest in attending the proceedings, and his abrupt questioning of Stone—suggests he has an ulterior motive beyond being a tourist. Thomas notes that Stendahl lacks the subtlety of a cop but also doesn’t fit the profile of a typical vacationer. His expensive Hartmann luggage hints at wealth, possibly indicating he’s a private investigator, journalist, or someone with a personal stake in the case. His persistence and agenda-driven actions create an air of suspicion, though his exact role remains unclear.3. How does the setting of St. Marks and its recent events contribute to the tension surrounding Stendahl’s appearance?
Answer:
The setting amplifies tension because St. Marks is isolated and recently inundated with press due to Allison’s high-profile case. The absence of other tourists (attributed to a blizzard and negative publicity) makes Stendahl’s presence stand out. Stone’s wariness stems from his experiences with intrusive journalists, and the island’s small, guarded marina (with police officers) adds to the atmosphere of surveillance. Stendahl’s decision to visit despite the island’s unpopularity and his focus on the trial further mark him as an outlier, heightening Stone’s unease.4. Why does Stone ultimately dismiss Stendahl as a threat, and is this a reasonable conclusion based on the chapter?
Answer:
Stone dismisses Stendahl because he lacks concrete evidence of malicious intent and views him as akin to a trial spectator, like those at the O.J. Simpson case. Compared to the aggressive press he’s faced, Stendahl seems less threatening. However, this conclusion may be premature: Thomas’s suspicions, Stendahl’s probing questions, and his unusual behavior (e.g., circumventing the marina guards) suggest he’s more than a curious bystander. Stone’s dismissal reflects his exhaustion from prior conflicts, but the text leaves room for doubt about Stendahl’s true motives.5. How does the author use dialogue and descriptive details to characterize Frank Stendahl? Provide examples.
Answer:
The author crafts Stendahl’s character through blunt dialogue (e.g., “You must be Stone Barrington”) and persistent questioning (“what’s your trial strategy?”), portraying him as forward and agenda-driven. Physical descriptions—his seersucker suit, “pasty white arms,” and lumbering gait—paint him as an outsider unaccustomed to the tropics. His actions, like changing his walking route to avoid the marina guards, hint at stealth. Thomas’s observations (“he just charged straight ahead”) reinforce his lack of subtlety. These details collectively build an image of a man who is both conspicuous and enigmatic, raising questions about his role in the story.
Quotes
1. “Stone suddenly had the strange feeling that the whole business was some sort of dreadful error, that Paul Manning had simply fallen overboard near the Canaries and had swum ashore, and now he had shown up in St. Marks to save Allison’s life.”
This quote captures Stone’s momentary doubt and paranoia as he encounters a stranger who resembles Paul Manning. It reveals his underlying anxiety about the case and the possibility of a miraculous twist that could upend everything.
2. “‘A cop would have done it differently,’ Thomas said. ‘More subtly. This guy just charged straight ahead.’”
This exchange highlights the suspicious nature of Frank Stendahl’s behavior. Thomas’s professional assessment suggests Stendahl might be hiding something, though his methods don’t align with typical law enforcement tactics, adding intrigue to his character.
3. “‘I think he’s got an agenda, but I’m damned if I know what it is. Besides, what would an American cop be doing down here?’”
Thomas’s observation underscores the mystery surrounding Stendahl’s true motives. This quote raises questions about Stendahl’s purpose in St. Marks and whether he poses a threat, contributing to the chapter’s tension.
4. “‘Right now, all I think is that he’s a tourist, like he says; maybe the sort of guy who turned up at the O. J. Simpson trial. I can’t think of any other reason for him to be here, can you?’”
Stone’s comparison of Stendahl to a trial spectator reflects his attempt to rationalize the stranger’s presence. This quote shows Stone’s cautious but dismissive attitude, hinting at potential underestimation of Stendahl’s role in the unfolding events.