“Yes, Sir.”
About ten minutes later, a bleary-eyed Dogety came bursting up the stairs. He saw the crime scene with the sheet-covered body. “What the hell happened?”
“Sir, he came after us. He attacked us,” Jan said.
Dogety stood there for a moment as if in shock. “Who came after you?”
“Cadet Trane, Sir.”
Sometime after 0400 hours, they were released to Captain Spanner who ordered Cadet Dogety to escort them directly to their room. Jan didn’t sleep at all, but Kristi started snoring within minutes of hitting the rack. Angel never woke up when they came in, oblivious to the whole ordeal.
The next morning, the three roommates gave each other dress-offs, before heading out to breakfast formation at 0620 hours. At 0710, they were back in the formation before classes. Cadet Dogety walked up to Jan and ordered her to follow him off to the side of the formation. They were out of earshot from the others, but he still stood only few inches in front on her. Speaking barely above a whisper, he said, “Miss Wishart, your Honor Board has been postponed until 1600 hours today. I’m attending a special meeting of the honor committee this morning to discuss your case in light of last night’s events. The Superintendent, the Commandant and just about every JAG officer are meeting with the MP’s to discuss the evidence and statements. The Commandant has ordered you and McCarron to remain in your quarters at all times, except for classes, lunch and to use the latrine. You cannot speak a word of this to anyone. The family must be notified first. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, Sir.” She felt as if she was in a trance. She began to understand the meaning of “out of body” or “beside yourself.” For a moment, she could have sworn she had been watching everything from above.
“I will do my best to be your advocate, but I cannot promise anything good will come of this. If you’re lucky, they’ll just kick you out. Worst case is a murder charge. Do you understand everything I’ve said?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I’m going to tell McCarron the same thing I told you. Remember, do not speak to anyone about last night. This comes directly from the Supe. Finally, wait for me to come get you for the Honor Board. I have to escort you there and back. No one wants you wandering around, apparently.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I don’t know what else to say. You may have lost any hope of survival.”
“I know, Sir, but thank you for your help.”
After her second morning class, she returned to her room for free period. Only it wasn’t exactly free anymore. Both Kristi and Angel had classes until lunch. She tried to study for the physics exam but it was virtually impossible. She felt some relief when a note flew in under her door.
Dear Jan,
What happened? I was ready to testify today but was told the Honor Board is on hold. I’ve heard some rumors, but I don’t want to speculate. Can you enlighten me? I’m dying to know the real story.
I’m actually looking forward to telling my story. I had heard Dogety and Jackson were screwing with you Sunday night and it really pissed me off, so I followed you to B-1. When you left the envelope at Jackson’s door, I took it. I pulled out their notes and put my note in its place.
I thought that would put an end to the harassing, but it only made it worse for you. Much worse. So it’s really all my fault you were in this mess. That’s why I am so eager to be a witness at your Honor Board. I want them to know I did it, and hopefully, they will drop the charges.
Now I’m concerned I may not get the chance to testify. I’ve been told to wait until I’m called, but no one seems to know when that will be. Please tell me all is going to be okay. I am anxious to hear from you.
SKIP
She wrote a response and taped it to her door.
Dear SKIP,
I cannot tell you why the board is on hold, only to say that it’s supposed to resume at 1600 today. I am so thankful you are willing to testify for me. And I’m glad to finally know how the note was replaced.
I’m not mad at you. I’m happy you tried to protect me. And I’m sorry it backfired.
Please pray for me. I think you have a better line to the guy upstairs than I do, and if indeed, he (or she) can do anything for me, now would be a good time. The situation has gone from bad to horrendous and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to get any better soon. So, a miracle would be a really nice thing about now.
If I never write again, it’s because I had to leave quickly. I know how expulsions work—they don’t let you hang around long. I only wish you would tell me who you are before I have to leave. Even if I never find out your identity, I will always be thankful for your friendship.
Jan
38
Saturday, May 8, 1982
1545 Hours
Cadet Dogety arrived on time. He didn’t say anything except, “Let’s go, Miss Wishart.” She didn’t ask him any questions either. They hadn’t heard anything more from the Superintendent, the Commandant, the MP’s or even from Captain Spanner.
She gave Angel and Kristi a hug before leaving the room. “Hold any notes for me that appear at the door.”
“I will,” Kristi replied. They couldn’t say any more in front of Angel, who was still oblivious to the previous night’s events.
Jan followed Cadet Dogety out the door.
They passed fifty or so cadets on the way to Mahan Hall. Jan felt almost all of them staring at her. She knew that at least some, maybe most, had heard about last night. Despite the “do not talk” policy, cadets talked. They always knew when something big happened, although they usually didn’t know the real story. They probably heard something like, “the female cadet who’s in the middle of an Honor Trial killed her Honor Representative in Washington Hall last night.”
She made a conscious decision to stand tall with her head up. She stared back at every face that seemed to accuse her. She saw judgment in their eyes. She reminded herself of the resolution she had made at the beginning of second semester. Their condemnation could not, would not, penetrate her skin. At least that’s what she told herself.
They approached the huge, arched doors to Mahan Hall. Cadet Dogety reached for the handle and held the door for her. The gesture reminded her of Trane. She stepped through the arch and practically bumped into Rick Davidson.
“Jan, I’ll be waiting just outside the room… and I’ll be praying the whole time,” he said.
“What?” She stared at him wondering what he meant. “I don’t need you….” Why does he care….Oh, dear God. It’s him.
“It’s okay; I don’t mind waiting,” Rick said.
Cadet Dogety interjected, “Go back to the company, Davidson. You’re not going to be needed anymore.”
But Rick followed him anyway, alongside Jan, in step—left, right, left—all the way up to the fourth floor. He waited outside while Jan and Dogety entered the windowless room.
It looked like an entirely different room. Then she realized it was because most of the honor “jury” was not there. Only Cadets Conrad, Tourney, Leavitt, Gaskins and Seymour were present. Even the bookend officers and Major Hastings were absent. The stenographer, however, was at her post.
“Sit down, Miss Wishart,” Conrad said. She walked to her chair and sat down with her back straight a few inches from the chair back, chest a few inches from the table, legs at a ninety-degree angle from the knees, and eyes straight ahead. “We’ve spent several hours deliberating the evidence in your honor case and also in discussions with the Superintendent and the Commandant concerning the new investigation involving you and Cadet McCarron. We were not told what happened exactly, but we have been informed that the MP’s, JAG and the press will be involved. We also know that these events will not reflect favorably on West Point.” Jan felt her eyes glisten.
Conrad continued. “The Superintendent and Commandant indicated that the evidence thus far appears to validate the statements given by those involved, but Cadet McCarron’s actions, at least, may be under more
serious investigation.” Jan saw his lower lip tighten. “I have no idea what you two have gotten yourselves into, but it’s serious enough that both the Supe and the Comm felt the need to intervene in these proceedings.”
Jan could tell he didn’t think the Supe and Comm had any business involving themselves in the cadet honor system. Conrad felt the Honor Code belonged only to cadets and he didn’t appreciate the higher-ups getting involved.
“This Honor Board has been the most irregular one in my entire cadet career. I’ve seen a lot of strange situations, but this one takes the prize, Miss Wishart.”
Isn’t the saying supposed to be ‘takes the cake?’
“However, Cadet Davidson’s statement explaining his role in the events of Sunday night validates your account.” Conrad’s voice waned after the last word. He paused before continuing, “Which means there is only the question of who’s telling the truth about the events on Monday morning.”
I am.
“Now,” he paused, “without any other witnesses, and in light of whatever happened last night, we are in a unique situation which demands a unique resolution.” He waited another moment before continuing. “Normally, we would continue the Honor Board with the facts of the case as they stand. In light of these new circumstances, however, and in consultation with the Superintendent and the Commandant,” she thought she saw him roll his eyes slightly, “we have decided to take an unprecedented action.”
Jan looked straight ahead, listening, but not quite hearing. The room began to fill with fog.
I am a stone.
“You need to know this was not a unanimous decision. Some on the jury wanted to continue as planned.” Conrad paused again, before picking up a piece of paper that was lying on the table in front of him.
He began reading from the document. “After many hours of deliberation, and in consultation with the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy and the Commandant of Cadets, this Honor Board has determined that the charges against Cadet Jan Wishart are insufficient in their merit, inconclusive in their supporting evidence, and are not worthy of continuing the Honor Trial at this time.” Conrad placed the paper back down on the table. “Do you have any questions, Cadet Wishart?” he asked while still looking down.
She didn’t exactly compute what he just read. Was it an acquittal then? Was it a mistrial? Was she free to go? What just happened?
“No, Sir.”
“Okay, then there’s one more thing you should know. In addition to the ongoing MP investigation into whatever,” he paused, “whatever happened last night, there will also be a disciplinary hearing later this afternoon. You and McCarron will likely face serious disciplinary action. Cadets Jackson, Dogety and Davidson may also received punishment for their roles last weekend.” He seemed pleased to be able to share that news. “You are dismissed.”
Sam Dogety stood up, but Jan stayed seated. She looked up at him. “We’re done here, Miss Wishart.”
Rick Davidson stood up from his position on the floor when the door to room 413 opened. He looked straight at Jan but didn’t say anything. Her eyes widened, but she made no comment either. She simply turned left. Dogety followed behind her toward the stairwell to the main arched doors.
“What happened?” Rick asked from the last spot in the procession.
Dogety turned his head and said, “All charges have been dropped.”
“YAHOO!!” Rick shouted.
At the front of the line, Jan began to cry.
39
Saturday, May 8, 1982
2200 Hours
Jan, Kristi and Angel waited in their room for Cadet Dogety. He said he would come straight back with news from the disciplinary hearing. As the H-3 Company Executive Officer, he had been included in the deliberations. The Commandant chaired this committee, which included Captain Spanner, the B-1 TAC, the Company Commander and First Sergeant and a few other appointed officers.
“What’s the worst that can happen now?” Kristi asked.
“They could still kick us out,” Jan said.
“The most they’ll do now is give you a lot of walking tours,” Angel said, still not fully understanding what had transpired.
“You’re probably right, Angel,” Jan said.
“They might even let you off entirely, like they did with the honor charges,” Angel added optimistically.
“I doubt that,” Kristi said as she looked at Jan. “They will have to do something with us, I’m just hoping Jackass doesn’t get off the hook.”
Two loud knocks on the door caused the three roommates to jump to attention.
“Enter, Sir,” they called in unison.
Dogety stood at the door in his white cadet shirt, gray trousers and red sash around his waist. “At ease,” he said. The three plebes relaxed while Sam Dogety walked into the room. He sat down at Jan’s desk chair and told them to take a seat. “Miss Wishart and Miss McCarron, you both have received one hundred hour slugs for being out after Taps and being off limits last night. It’s a good thing you left your cards unmarked or you might be facing another honor trial. You may start walking the area next week after your exams. You can walk off as much as you want during graduation week, also. Any remaining time can be walked when you’re yearlings.” He took a deep breath. “Davidson’s been given a twenty-five hour slug for his role Sunday night.”
Jan and Kristi looked at each other, breathing a sigh of relief, knowing it could have been much worse. Jan’s plan of staying out of the “Century Club” had failed. But given what she had just been through, it seemed like easy street.
“What about Jackson?” Jan asked.
Dogety breathed deeply again, letting it out slowly. “He and I have received twenty-five hour slugs, with ten hours suspended. We will have to walk the remaining fifteen hours in the next two weeks before graduation.”
She no longer cared. Jackson was a jerk but not a rapist. Having been entirely wrong about Cadet Trane, it was possible she had been entirely wrong about Jackson. He made mistakes; he had been mean, hurtful, sexist and rude, at times. His version of the events on Sunday night and Monday morning differed from hers which she realized now could have been related to each one’s perceptions about the other one. But he wasn’t the monster she had made him out to be.
After a pause, Kristi asked, “Did they talk to the girl?”
Sam continued, “Apparently she’s corroborated your story. She doesn’t want to officially come forward. There’s a rumor that she’s part of the Mess Hall staff and doesn’t want any negative attention from co-workers or cadets.”
“I don’t get that,” Kristi said. “She’s not to blame for any of this. Why wouldn’t she at least publically verify her attacker?”
“If he’s dead, what’s the point?” Jan asked.
“What are you guys talking about?” They had forgotten Angel was in the room and she still had no idea what happened.
“Uh, Angel, we will be able to tell you all about it in a few days. But we can’t say any more about it now.” Jan felt badly that they had slipped.
Dogety stood up. “Miss Trane, please do not repeat anything you’ve heard here. Your roommates need your cooperation and silence right now. I’m sure they will fill you in when they can.”
“Yes, Sir,” Angel replied looking concerned.
Two days later, both Kristi and Jan were summoned to the Superintendent’s office. Wearing Dress Gray, they stood at attention outside his door. The door opened from the inside. Captain Spanner told them to report to Lieutenant General (LTG) Stanton. The roommates entered the massive office and stopped five feet in front of the enormous, mahogany desk. The Commandant, Major General Mullenbehr, stood to the left and the JAG officer, Major Quiddy, stood to the right of the desk. Captain Spanner stood behind them. They saluted together. Jan said, “Sir, Cadets Wishart and McCarron reporting as ordered.” They held the salute until the Supe saluted back which he did after a longer than normal pause.
“At ease,” he s
aid. The woman went from standing at attention to standing with feet shoulder width apart and hands overlapped facing outward at the small of their backs. This was “at ease,” but Jan always thought it was just modified attention.
“I’ve served a long time in the Army. I’ve seen a lot of things. Nothing really shocks me anymore.” He paused. “I have to say, though, I didn’t expect anything like this to happen at West Point.” He paused again, this time looking out his big, bay window onto The Plain.
“A few years back a cadet drowned in Lake Popolopen.” He seemed to be talking to himself. “That case was shrouded in mystery for so long that by the time they determined it was murder, the story had died down.” He turned back to the two women. “But this time, we have twice the scandal.”
Jan swallowed. She could hear Kristi breathing. The Supe continued, “We have a dead firstie who was killed by a plebe. We have a witness who says the firstie raped her just before he took off after you two. However, the victim does not want her identity known. She is unable or unwilling to testify further.” He paused. “Yet, her statement alone appears to validate your actions, Miss McCarron. The MP’s believe that you acted in self-defense and they are not planning to bring any further charges against either one of you.” He paused again before adding, “I happen to agree.”
Jan and Kristi simultaneously sighed. “However,” he continued, “we still have the problem of explaining to the Corps, and the general public, how a firstie was killed by a plebe. First, let’s talk about the dead man.” The Supe lifted a piece of paper off his desk and read from it. “Cadet Bill Trane is admired and respected by everyone. He is considered a role model and an inspiration to all who know him. Bill serves as the H-3 Company Honor Captain and his reputation is beyond reproach. He is a good man with a very bright future in the Army.” LTG Stanton placed the paper back down. “This was written about Cadet Trane in his last peer evaluation.”
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