your money and stay with me. You can help with the horses until you’re ready to make permanent plans for your future. The children will love you and you’ll love them.”
“Thanks a million, Lynn, but I need to be on my own.” Lynn reluctantly accepted Sharon’s decision making it clear that she was always available, if needed.
“Now that mom and dad are here, I’ll go back home in the morning and get started looking for your house. I’m thrilled that you’ll come to Zephyrhills, but I’m very anxious for you to be safely with me.” Lynn spoke softly and kissed Sharon’s cheek.
The next afternoon Sharon was resting while her parents cleaned up after their lunch. A knock sounded at the door. Sean opened the door to see Malcolm and Agnes. They were warmly welcomed and taken into Sharon’s bedroom. Agnes, as usual, was stern and holding her head high, acknowledging no one. She sniffed as if at a bad odor.
Malcolm could hardly speak around the lump in his throat as he hugged Sharon and kissed her cheek. “Sharon, darling, I hope you know you can depend upon my complete support.”
“Well, Malcolm,” Agnes sneered. “The little tramp has fooled you, too. It looks as if she has you wrapped around her finger. Why is it that only men are taken in by her?”
“You vile woman,” Megan gasped walking toward Agnes with clinched fists.
“Agnes!” Malcolm choked astonished. “For once in your miserable life get your mind off your selfish existence and our son that you sinfully spoiled.” He looked angry but more embarrassed.
“Please don’t quarrel over me,” Sharon’s voice trembled. “I know it’s difficult for you to accept,” she continued, trying to calm Agnes. “Jeremy does need professional help and your denying it won’t change him.”
“Sharon, you were too young to get married,” Agnes snapped. “You’re too spoiled, sheltered, immature, and selfish, and the only problem Jeremy has is you.” Spittle was flying from Agnes’ mouth and she was shaking visibly as she spat out the words.
Sean was livid. “Agnes, these may be rented rooms, but for the time being it is our home. Either conduct yourself as a lady, face the truth about your son, and leave my daughter alone, or get out. Sharon has suffered enough.”
“Jeremy has suffered the most, and it’s all her fault.” Agnes shot back.
“Malcolm I’m truly sorry, but of course you’ll have to leave with her. You and I are partners and friends, but Agnes is not welcome.” Sean spoke firmly.
“Just wait until I get back home and tell everyone about Miss Squeaky Clean. She’ll be the laughing stock of the whole city, especially the country club,” Agnes laughed as if she were demented. Her bleached-blonde hair was shaking loose from a twist.
“Agnes, it’s times like this that makes me wonder what I ever saw in you. Megan, Sean, Sharon, I’m so sorry. Come on Agnes. We need to have a serious talk and then have one with our son. It’s long overdue.”
Two days later Jeremy agreed to give Sharon an uncontested divorce. He was facing a dishonorable discharge and was angry with everyone. By unspoken agreement everyone was careful to keep Jeremy’s activities from Sharon. Everyone felt she had suffered enough without learning of his continued self-destruction.
Gen. Huff issued orders that Jeremy was not to pilot any planes or drive any military vehicle. He was relieved from all duties. He was fortunate that it was peacetime, otherwise, he might face a court martial.
The next day Colonel Kirkpatrick came with Linda and Philip. “Sharon, I hardly know how to tell you,” the Colonel began.
Linda broke in. “Please. Let me, Sir. You and Philip can leave or stay, but I think I should tell her.”
“Well, someone tell me. You’re scaring me.”
Linda reached and took Sharon’s hand. “Honey, I guess the good news is that your immediate problems have been solved. The bad news is the way it happened. Jeremy, during one of his drunken flings, stole a plane, but he didn’t get off the ground. At the end of the runway, the plane flipped over bursting into flames. Jeremy didn’t make it.”
Sharon sat stunned and then dissolved in wrenching sobs. Philip motioned for Col. Kirkpatrick and they quietly left. Linda gathered Sharon in her arms. “Where are your parents?”
“With Dad Taylor,” Sharon was finally able to say.
Duke hurried into a phone booth in a shabby section of town. He made a call to northern Florida, again reversing charges.
“Gee, Hank, our problem was taken care of and my hands are clean. The Fool crashed a plane and killed hisself.”
“Yea! Score one for us.”
“We still don’t know if his wife knows about us.”
“Keep an eye on her, but don’t do anything until you check with me. I have to talk to the Boss. I’ll get back to you.”
Hank chuckled to himself and then picked up the phone. He was the only one who knew this number even if he’d never met the man on the other end.
“Good news, Boss. Great news. Duke called and said Jeremy crashed a plane and killed himself. I don’t know all the particulars, but it’s a break for us.”
“I’ll say. What are you doing about the wife?”
“I told Duke to follow her but not to do anything until he checked with me.”
“Good enough. I’ll get in touch soon about our next development.”
“Okay. You know where to find me.”
Sharon and her parents met with Philip in his office on the base. “Sharon, Jeremy had not signed the final divorce papers, so, legally you’re his widow. You need to make arrangements for a funeral”
“Agnes wants to take the body to Fort Lauderdale where she can grieve publicly,” Megan spoke quickly.
“Too bad. It’s Sharon’s decision,” Philip smiled.
“If I may, I’ll have the funeral in the chapel on the base so our military friends can attend. Will you see to that for me, please?” Sharon spoke softly.
“You don’t need to ask, Sharon. I’ll do whatever is necessary to help you.”
Sharon and Linda were standing by the coffin when Agnes entered and approached, facing them across the coffin. There were several people already in the chapel.
“Get her away from here,” Agnes demanded loudly, throwing her arm out and pointing at Sharon. “You don’t belong here. Murderer! Murderer!”
Agnes became angrier when Sharon remained calm. She continued shouting as Malcolm practically carried her out. He looked back sadly at Sharon. She felt sorry for him and knew it was difficult for him to deal with his grief because of Agnes.
Two days after the funeral Philip had Sharon come to his office. Both sets of parents were present. Agnes again staged an unpleasant scene.
