testsuphomeAdmin
Stories
167
Chapters
9,217
Words
23.6 M
Comments
0
Reading
81 d, 23 h
-
The chapter opens with Stone Barrington waking up beside Allison Manning, his client, after a night of intimacy. Reflecting on their impulsive connection, Stone acknowledges his own vulnerabilities and Allison’s possible motivations—whether driven by fear of her impending legal peril or simple desire. Their playful morning is interrupted by a knock from Hilary Kramer, a reporter from *The New York Times*, who has arrived unexpectedly to interview Allison. Stone advises Allison to meet Kramer…-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
In Chapter 11, Stone delivers a blunt assessment of Allison Manning’s dire legal situation. He explains that Sir Winston Sutherland, a politically motivated official, has orchestrated an open verdict in the coroner’s jury, enabling murder charges against her. Stone warns that the trial is unavoidable and could result in the death penalty, given St. Marks’ swift and harsh judicial process. Allison, initially confident in her innocence, grows alarmed as Stone details the rapid timeline: conviction, a…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Stone Barrington, weary and frustrated after an unanswered call to Arrington, retreats to his chartered yacht for rest. Upon waking at dusk, he is greeted by Allison, a woman staying nearby, who invites him to dinner with the condition that they avoid discussing her problems. Stone agrees, freshens up, and joins her on her yacht. The two share lighthearted banter, setting a relaxed tone for the evening as Allison prepares dinner and Stone mixes martinis, showcasing their chemistry and mutual comfort. As…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
The chapter opens with Allison being escorted into the courtroom, where Stone Barrington, Sir Leslie, and Thomas Hardy take their positions. The judge, a distinguished black man in traditional robes and wig, presides over the proceedings. Sir Winston Sutherland, leading the prosecution, formally requests Allison’s trial for murder, presenting evidence to support the charge. The judge then inquires about legal representation, and Sir Leslie announces Stone as his assistant, despite Stone’s initial…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
The chapter opens with Stone, Thomas, and Allison leaving jail, where Allison had been held. Despite her incarceration, Allison describes her experience as surprisingly tolerable, even mentioning interesting conversations with a fellow inmate. Stone, exhausted from stress, struggles to stay awake during the drive. The group arrives at a restaurant, where an insurance investigator approaches Allison, offering financial support for legal expenses. Stone excuses himself to make urgent phone calls, signaling…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Stone returns to Markstown, contemplating how to assist Allison Manning, who faces serious legal trouble. Realizing local lawyers are reluctant to oppose Sir Winston, a powerful figure seeking a high-profile conviction, Stone considers hiring a British barrister. He meets Thomas Hardy, who provides a list of potential lawyers, but all refuse due to Sir Winston’s influence. The only remaining option is Sir Leslie Hewitt, an elderly, semi-retired barrister with a personal grudge against Sir Winston, though…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Stone, restless and anxious, spends a sleepless night aboard his yacht before gathering clothing and personal items for his client, Allison Manning, from her boat, *Expansive*. Despite his belief in her innocence, he searches the yacht for any incriminating evidence, wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. His internal conflict between respecting her privacy and uncovering the truth peaks when he attempts, unsuccessfully, to open her locked briefcase. Ultimately, he abandons the effort, deciding…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
In Chapter 6, Allison Manning receives her husband’s death certificate, which reveals an "open verdict" due to insufficient evidence to determine the cause of death. Stone, her advisor, urgently advises her to leave St. Marks immediately, suspecting that Sir Winston Sutherland may still target her. Thomas Hardy, a former NYC policeman, confirms the danger and arranges a hasty escape via a flight from Antigua. The tension escalates as they prepare for Allison’s departure, with Stone emphasizing the need…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
The chapter opens with Sir Winston aggressively questioning Allison Manning about her husband’s wealth, implying she may have killed him for financial gain. Allison defends herself, explaining she was uninvolved in their finances and emphasizing her husband’s physical strength, making it unlikely she could overpower him. The tension escalates as Sir Winston shifts focus to her husband’s habits on the yacht, suggesting Allison could have pushed him overboard while he urinated. Allison dismisses the…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
The chapter opens with Stone arriving at the Markstown Meeting Hall for the coroner’s inquest into the death of Paul Phillips Manning. The setting is informal, with a jury of six men and the coroner seated at a card table. Allison Manning, the deceased’s wife, is present in a black dress, exuding a quiet dignity. Sir Winston Sutherland, dressed formally, oversees the proceedings. The coroner calls the inquest to order, and Allison is sworn in to testify. Stone observes her composed demeanor, wondering…
-
140.1 K • Ongoing
-
- Previous 1 … 135 136 137 … 922 Next
