Gradually, as weeks passed, Sharon became aware that she was actually afraid of Jeremy. One day he would be outgoing and cheerful then, without warning, he became quick tempered and moody. One night he came home sullen and brooding. Sharon, trying to lighten the atmosphere, was caring and loving. She hurried to the door to meet him. “Hello, darling. Did you have a good day?” She smiled reaching to hug him, and realized he smelled of alcohol.
“Why? What d’ya want to know for?” Jeremy yelled, pushing her away. “Are you spying on me?”
“Jeremy! No!” Sharon protested. “I am truly interested in your work. You’re my husband. I love you and am proud of you.”
“You’re meddling in my business. Shut up before your nose gets you into trouble.”
It was out of character for Sharon, but she became impatient with his currish, childish behavior. “At least I stay out of trouble. No one will ever be able to accuse me of not honoring our marriage vows.”
“Are you accusing me?” Jeremy screamed, jumping right in her face.
“I’m not accusing you of anything. Something is very wrong. Won’t you talk to a doctor or go with me to talk to the chaplain?”
“So. You think I’m unfaithful and that everything is my fault. Come here. I’ll give you what you really want.”
Sharon was too stunned to protect herself. Never in her life had she been around a man or woman who acted as Jeremy had been. He slapped her so hard that she fell.
Grabbing her by the hair with one hand, he dug the fingers of the other hand painfully in her upper arm and dragged her into the bedroom.
“Jeremy! You’re hurting me! Please! Stop!” Sharon’s efforts were in vain as she struggled to gain a release from him.
Laughing maniacally Jeremy threw her on the bed and literally tore her clothes off her.
“Please don’t do this, Jeremy,” she sobbed. Pain, both physical and emotional swept over her as he raped her without mercy. He carelessly climbed off her tormented body where she lay in twisted sheets. She didn’t move as he showered and dressed.
“That’s the way women like you want it,” he sneered as he swaggered out of the bedroom and left the house.
As soon as she heard the outer door slam, she gulped for air like a drowning person, realizing that she had been holding her breath against the shock and pain. She then drifted into the blackness that would take her away from the horror of Jeremy’s cruelty.
Waking later she found herself in the dark room and, thankfully, alone. Groggily she stumbled to the bathroom and washed her mouth out with water. Weakly she staggered back to bed and fell into a fitful sleep.
During the early morning hours, Sharon awoke and went into the living room to sit in the dark and think. Miserable and confused, her thoughts flew wildly. Is it possible Jeremy has a serious illness he isn’t facing or telling me? Maybe, in the past, he had a head injury or a trauma that’s causing his erratic behavior. She could not, and would not, accept that Jeremy was just mean natured and was violent. She didn’t realize Jeremy’s true nature was showing -- one that he had kept hidden from Sharon while they were planning their marriage. Her heart ached thinking of how helpless she felt. Putting her head back against the chair, she drifted into an uneasy sleep.
Sharon woke the next morning feeling sore and lonely. Sad and bewildered, she took a shower and prepared to brush her teeth. Her reflection in the mirror filled her with horror. Both eyes black, cheeks red and swollen, bruises all over her body. Even her heart felt bruised. Jeremy had not come home.
Going into the kitchen, she hoped she would be outside, and with sunglasses on, before the women saw her. Linda and two other wives were going shopping and Sharon had offered to drive this time. How I wish I were not obligated to go, but I can’t hide forever. Dear God, what can I do?
Listening to the radio usually made washing dishes and cleaning house more pleasurable, except this morning. As she worked, she agonized over the previous evening, grateful that Jeremy was not at home.
She whispered, “Heavenly Father, is it something I’m doing wrong, or neglecting to do? What can I do to help my marriage? How can I persuade Jeremy to get help for his behavior? He won’t admit that he needs help. Please show me the way.”
Deep in her sorrow, Sharon didn’t hear Linda knock lightly, open the door and walk in. “Good morning, merry sunshine,” chimed the lovely, lilting voice of her friend. Surprised, Sharon whirled with a gasp and grabbed for the sunglasses on the table.
“Sharon!” Linda shrieked. “What happened? Did Jeremy do that to you?” she asked through tight lips and a clenched jaw. Linda knew the gossip about Jeremy.
“What? Oh, you mean this?” Sharon answered with a small, nervous laugh. “Heavens no, just clumsy me. I --uh -- tripped in the dark and fell against the uh -- coffee table. Unfamiliar house, you know. I’ve done that a lot lately.”
“Honey, you’d be surprised at the number of women who claim to have tripped or run into something. It is common knowledge that darling Jeremy is not such a darling. It’s also common knowledge that he’s drinking heavily and is constantly in hot water with Gen. Huff. Girl friend, you know I’m not fooled. Now give.”
A couple of tears escaped and rolled down Sharon’s cheek as she ducked her head and turned to walk out of the kitchen. “I’ll get my purse. Linda, you’re a dear to worry about me, but really, I’m fine. Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be ready.”
“Sharon, you need help, but I can’t help you unless you’re willing to admit it and cooperate.” Sharon waved a hand over her shoulder and went into her bedroom.
When Sharon and Linda met the other two wives, Sharon told them the same story she had told Linda. The women looked at Linda with raised eyebrows and frowns, but she shook her head in warning and started an upbeat conversation. There was some good-natured arguing about what they would do first before they got to the serious business of shopping.
Feeling very protective toward Sharon, Linda declared to herself that she would discuss the situation with Philip that night. He’ll know how to deal with it, she thought.
That evening Linda waited impatiently for Philip to come home. She ran and jumped into his arms talking excitedly and trying not to cry, but babbling in her distress.
“Shh. Calm down, sweetheart. I can’t understand what you’re saying,” He cuddled her closer. It was several minutes before she was able to tell him about the sweet young girl they had learned to love like a little sister.
“Sweetheart,” Philip comforted her. “I know how upset you are. I’m furious. Sharon is a sweet, decent young lady. Several of us have been discussing Jeremy’s drinking, womanizing and irresponsible behavior. He has enough warnings to take him out of the flying program entirely. A man with his behavior is too dangerous to himself, and others, to be allowed to fly. Gen. Huff needs to know of this latest episode.”
Jeremy didn’t come home until late the following afternoon and found orders to report to Gen. Huff. Capt. Pallister had asked permission to be included in the meeting.
“Lt. Taylor, looking at your record I can see you’re not a stranger to breaking rules and getting into trouble. You’ve been given many advantages and you still don’t use common sense. Can you explain to me what is wrong with you?” General Huff asked angrily.
“There’s nothing wrong with me, Sir. People are jealous of me,” he glared at Philip. “My wife is not a good military wife and I’m having problems with her. I’ll take care of it and you’ll not have to see me in here again.”
“I’ve heard that story before. Due to the fact that you’re in a security position, I had your wife investigated as soon as you married. I’m impressed with the excellent report on her. It so happens I know