“Yes, Sir,” Jeremy snapped angrily and jerked a salute. He backed up to turn and leave.
“Hold it, soldier,” the General went on. “Capt. Pallister, did you have something to add?”
“Yes, thank you, Sir. Knowing the serious trouble Lt. Taylor has been in, and knowing the ungentlemanly manner with which he has treated his wife, my staff and I have arrived at a decision. Our recommendation is that Lt. Taylor be required to see Dr. Harrison, who is an excellent psychiatrist.”
“I concur,” Gen. Huff looked at Jeremy. “This will go into your records. Make sure you make the appointment with Dr. Harrison and --”
“That’s not fair,” Jeremy interrupted heatedly.
Gen. Huff continued firmly. “Lt. Taylor, you’d better count your blessings, keep quiet and cooperate. You’re in enough trouble. If your present behavior continues, your rank will be reduced and you could face a dishonorable discharge. You WILL see the psychiatrist. You WILL abide by rules and regulations. You WILL get help for your drinking. You WILL treat your wife with the respect she deserves. You WILL cooperate or what happens to you won’t be anyone’s fault but your own. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?” His blue eyes were snapping.
“Yes, Sir!” Jeremy said with a brazen expression. He again saluted, turned smartly and marched out with stiff, angry strides.
“I’m surprised he got this far in the Air Force. There’s a young man with a lot of emotional problems. He’s had the world at his feet and doesn’t have the maturity to deal with it,” Gen Huff observed. He sighed and ran his fingers through thick, wavy, gray hair. At five-eleven he was in excellent physical condition.
Jeremy was in a murderous mood. He accepted the fact that not everyone agreed with him, but chalked it up to their ignorance. He could not accept the fact that he had been disciplined and not allowed to do as he pleased. Too, he was irate that Philip had witnessed his correction and had given his suggestions. Most of all, he was angry at Sharon and blamed her for all that had occurred. Philip outranked him and he could not rave at a superior officer, even one considered a friend. He grinned evilly as he thought of Sharon.
When Jeremy staggered in the door late that evening, Sharon was hoping for peace. She wanted to know what happened at the hearing, but knew better than to ask. Before she could speak he was screaming at her.
“Little Miss Puritan,” he raved drunkenly. “You may have other people fooled, but I know you for what you are, and so does my mother. Your friend, old pretty boy Philip, recommended a psychiatrist for me. He must have gotten the idea from you.”
“Jeremy, what idea do you think Philip got from me? I’ve always been proud of you and supported you.”
“Not like mom does.”
Much to Sharon’s relief, Jeremy staggered over to the couch and passed out. She tried to think through what was happening. Obviously Jeremy has told his mother lies and she has encouraged him in his irresponsible behavior. Dear Lord, what shall I do? Maybe it’s time to confide in Dad Taylor, and maybe my dad. I can’t shoulder this alone. Father, where are you? Why have you forsaken me? Oh, forgive me. I know you never leave us. It’s we that leave you. I’ve tried too long on my own. I’m now leaving it in your hands.
Jeremy roused to see Sharon walking the floor and crying. With a roar he leaped up and jumped at Sharon, landing several blows and kicks as she fell. She rolled screaming across the floor. Jeremy fell over an ottoman as she drug herself up and wobbled out of the house, unaware of where she was going--just trying to get away.
Jeremy ran out of the house as Sharon fell down the front steps and onto the lawn. He was shocked to see Linda and Philip running toward them as well as other neighbors gathering around.
He knelt quickly beside Sharon. “Sharon, oh baby, forgive me,” he whispered. “I don’t want to hurt you, but you make me so mad sometimes. It’s your fault. I know I’ve drunk more than I should, but everybody has picked on me today. You should have more faith in me. It won’t happen again, I swear. Please don’t tell anyone or I’ll be in serious trouble. Gen. Huff said --”
“Sharon! What has happened?” Linda broke in as she fell on her knees beside Sharon. “We heard you screaming.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“What’s going on here?” Philip demanded through gritted teeth.
“Oh, dear God,” Jeremy groaned. “Sharon, sweetheart, what did happen to you?”
Sharon could hardly believe that Jeremy was denying what he had done. It’s almost as if he doesn’t know. This is a chance for me to prove to him that I do love him and support him.
“I--um-- started down the steps and some animal ran in front of me. It startled me and I fell,” she said haltingly trying to breathe through the pain.
Someone had called for help. Military police and paramedics arrived. Philip’s lips were a tight slash as he pulled Linda to her feet so that medical assistance could be given to Sharon.
“Capt. Pallister,” Philip turned to acknowledge the lieutenant who lived on the other side of the duplex with Jeremy and Sharon. “My wife and I heard Mrs. Taylor screaming and Lt. Taylor yelling inside the house several minutes before she came out. She was begging him to stop and then we saw her run out and fall off the steps.”
“Thank you for the information. Will you please tell this to the M. P.? If you know, for a fact, about any other unpleasant incidences in the past, please give that information, also.” Philip was sure this was not the first incident.
“Yes, Sir. We’ll be happy to help. We’ve heard her begging for mercy before this.”
Linda and Philip followed Sharon to the hospital. The doctor could not give them much information because the injuries were too fresh and the flesh swollen. Philip explained to the medical staff why Jeremy should not be allowed to see Sharon. He and Linda stayed until midnight and then reluctantly went home.
Sharon woke the next morning feeling sore and stiff. Her aching heart felt worse than her physical injuries. She hazily became aware of a nurse standing by her bed.
“Good morning, Mrs. Taylor,” the nurse spoke kindly. “I need to bother you a little to take stats. Your breakfast is on the way.”
“Thank you, but I don’t think I can eat anything.”
“You need to build your strength. Besides, putting it in your mouth is a lot more pleasant than putting it through needles and tubes,” the nurse chuckled.
“I suppose you’re right. What’s wrong with me?”
“The doctor will be here in a few minutes and he can answer your questions a lot better than I can.” The nurse patted Sharon’s foot and quietly left. Sharon slept.
“Good morning, Sharon.” She slowly opened her eyes. “How do you feel?” Squinting, she recognized Col Ben Davis, her doctor. “How do you feel,” he repeated.
“Like I’ve been hit by a speeding train.”
“That good, huh?” He smiled at her as he sat in a chair by her bed. “Honey, I wish I could say you just need a rest, but it’s obvious you’ve suffered a beating. According to your neighbors, this isn’t the first time. I can’t for the life of me understand why you’ve put up with such cruel, inhuman treatment. Why didn’t you leave him or confide in someone who could help?”
“You’ve heard it all before,” she sighed. “I truly love my husband and keep hoping he’ll be like he was when we were newly married. Too, I’m not sure how much of the guilt is mine. I knew he had emotional problems while growing up, but I assumed his military training had helped him to mature. Please don’t tell anyone what I’ve said. I must try to help him. Now, what is wrong with me?”
“First, you can’t help your husband do anything. He’s an adult and