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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 62
by Stuart, Woods,The chapter opens with Stone waking from a vivid dream about Allison, only to find her beside him in reality. Disoriented and shocked, he struggles to reconcile his dream with her sudden presence, especially after believing she had been executed. Allison reassures him, explaining that her survival was part of a secret plan orchestrated by Leslie, who bribed the retiring prime minister to overturn her conviction. Stone is stunned by the revelation, as Leslie had kept the plan hidden to avoid interference, knowing Stone would likely oppose such a risky move. The bribe, a million-dollar cashier’s check, was discreetly included with the appeal documents.
Allison elaborates on the details, revealing that Leslie confirmed the bribe’s success during a phone call from jail, but secrecy was paramount to avoid alerting Sir Winston Sutherland, the committed prosecutor. She emphasizes the need for Stone to maintain the ruse of her death to prevent scrutiny from the press or authorities. Stone, still processing the emotional whiplash, learns that Allison was secretly transported to a motor yacht after her staged execution. She returned briefly to explain the situation and bid him farewell, as she must now disappear to avoid detection. Their reunion is bittersweet, marked by relief and lingering tension.
Before leaving, Allison gives Stone an envelope containing her “last wishes,” including legal documents transferring her yacht, *Expansive*, to him as payment for his services. She makes him promise to honor her requests as if she were truly dead, ensuring her disappearance remains convincing. Their goodbye is emotional, with Allison expressing gratitude for their time together and hinting at future reunions. Stone watches her depart on a tender, leaving him alone with the envelope and a whirlwind of emotions.
After Allison’s departure, Stone opens the envelope to find a heartfelt letter and legal paperwork finalizing the yacht’s transfer. The letter reveals Allison’s insistence on the arrangement and her appreciation for Stone’s efforts, despite the chaos. Overwhelmed, Stone drinks brandy to calm his nerves, realizing sleep will be impossible. The chapter closes with him grappling with the surreal turn of events, the weight of Allison’s secrets, and the unexpected ownership of her yacht, leaving his future uncertain but undeniably changed.
FAQs
1. What was Leslie’s secret plan to save Allison, and why was it kept from Stone?
Answer:
Leslie’s plan involved bribing the retiring prime minister with a $1 million cashier’s check, which was secretly included in the envelope containing Allison’s appeal documents. The plan was kept from Stone because Leslie believed Stone would oppose the risky strategy of bribing a government official. The secrecy was maintained until the last moment, as Leslie only confirmed the plan’s success during his final phone call from jail. This covert approach was deemed necessary given Allison’s convicted status and the prime minister’s potential receptiveness to financial incentives before retirement.2. How does Allison’s reappearance after her supposed execution impact Stone emotionally, and what does this reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
Stone experiences intense emotional whiplash—transitioning from a passionate dream about Allison to shock and confusion upon her sudden reappearance. His rapid shift from terror to relief (“You bet I am”) underscores their deep connection. The scene reveals their bond transcends professional ties; Stone’s visceral reaction (adrenaline surge, physical trembling) and later tenderness (holding her close, promising secrecy) suggest romantic attachment. Allison’s apology for the emotional turmoil further highlights their mutual care, as does her gift of the yacht and heartfelt letter, which cement their personal relationship beyond legal confines.3. Analyze the ethical and strategic implications of Leslie’s bribery scheme. Why might this approach have been the only viable option in this situation?
Answer:
The bribe presents significant ethical dilemmas (undermining judicial integrity) but emerges as a pragmatic last resort. As Allison explains, Sir Winston Sutherland was ideologically committed to her conviction, rendering traditional appeals futile. The retiring prime minister, however, had financial motivations and no long-term accountability. Strategically, the scheme exploited systemic corruption—Leslie bypassed public channels knowing monetary influence was the “only thing that worked” locally. While risky, it aligned with the urgency of preventing an unjust execution, especially given the prime minister’s indifference to international pressure (faxes/calls from the U.S.).4. What symbolic and practical significance does Allison’s envelope hold, and how does it foreshadow future developments?
Answer:
The envelope contains both legal documents (yacht transfer, fee payment) and emotional weight (Allison’s letter framing the gift as gratitude for their time together). By instructing Stone to open it after her departure, she creates a narrative of posthumous connection—reinforced by her request to “honor [her] last wishes as if I really were dead.” Practically, it transfers ownership of Expansive and hints at Allison’s planned disappearance. Symbolically, it mirrors her faked execution, suggesting she intends to vanish completely, leaving Stone with tangible reminders of their relationship and unresolved questions about her future.5. How does the chapter use contrasts between appearance and reality to advance the plot and character dynamics?
Answer:
The chapter hinges on layered deceptions: Allison’s staged execution contrasts with her survival, Stone’s dream versus waking reality, and the “obituary” that will falsely declare her death. These contrasts propel the plot toward Allison’s covert new life while deepening character dynamics—Stone must reconcile his public grief with private relief, and Allison balances affection with calculated secrecy. Even the yacht’s earlier apparent departure (while Allison was secretly aboard) reinforces this theme. Such juxtapositions underscore the novel’s exploration of truth manipulation, both politically (the bribe) and personally (their goodbye).
Quotes
1. “‘You were dreaming,’ Allison said. Stone blinked rapidly. ‘I still am.’”
This exchange captures the surreal, dreamlike quality of Allison’s unexpected return after Stone believed she had been executed. It highlights the emotional whiplash between despair and joy that defines this pivotal moment in the chapter.
2. “‘We bribed the prime minister.’ […] ‘Leslie didn’t think you would let him do it; that’s why we didn’t tell you.’”
This revelation is the chapter’s central plot twist, exposing the clandestine operation that saved Allison’s life. It underscores the moral compromises and high-stakes maneuvering in the legal battle, while showing how Stone was deliberately kept out of the loop.
3. “‘The days and nights I spent with you on this boat were among the happiest of my life. Remember that, too.’”
Allison’s poignant farewell line serves as both a romantic climax and emotional resolution to their relationship arc in the chapter. It contrasts sharply with the legal intrigue, grounding the story in personal connection before her mysterious departure.
4. “‘The yacht, Expansive, is yours now, to do with what you will. Unfortunately, Libby’s dear old mother is yours, too, and you can handle that situation as you see fit.’”
Allison’s letter delivers both a generous gift and a wry complication, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of their parting. This passage reveals her practical yet playful approach to tying up loose ends while leaving Stone with tangible reminders of their time together.