by Sioux Dallas
“Save 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.
“What do you mean she gets his money and his insurance? She didn’t love him, never did, and she was trying to divorce him. She’s glad he’s dead.” She stormed out.
Malcolm hung his head. “I’m so sorry. For years I’ve been thinking my son was spoiled and thoughtless. I’m ashamed of myself for allowing his mother to influence him. I haven’t wanted to face the fact that Jeremy was plain mean, or might have a mental problem. Agnes’ actions make me wonder about her, too. Sharon, you will always have my complete support.” His shoulders shook with silent sobs.
“It’s over for Jeremy,” Sean spoke soothingly to his friend. “Maybe Agnes will settle down now. It’s a shame that she had to be tranquilized for the funeral. I hope she’ll forgive all of us for not allowing her to take charge.”
“Thank you for being my other dad,” Sharon hugged Malcolm. He left, shuffling along like an old man. His six feet two frame bent and sad.
The next morning the Taylors went back to Fort Lauderdale. The Donnellys left also after Sean had Sharon’s car checked and filled with gas before he left.
“Darling,” Sean said, “your mom and I don’t want to leave you, but it’s your decision. Keep your cell phone handy and call me if there’s any problems. It won’t take me long to get to you.” She hugged both of her parents and
they reluctantly left.
Sharon loaded her car and looked around the neighborhood as she prepared to leave. Will I ever return to Texas? I’ve made the most wonderful friends and hate to leave them, but with God’s help my future will be brighter. She went in to make a last phone call.
“Hi, Lynn. It’s just me. Are you sure you’re ready for me?”
“Silly, you’re wasting time talking. Boogie on over, but get here safely. Are you sure you don’t mind traveling alone? I can always come to meet you.”
“No. I’ll be fine. Thanks for offering though.”
“Did you get the package I sent?”
“Sure did. Just saying thanks isn’t enough. See you in a couple of days.”
Sharon went out to find Linda, Philip and numerous friends and neighbors waiting. Linda smiled through her tears. “You’re like a little sister to us. We both love you and want the best for you.”
“Call us as soon as you get home. We’ll be anxious about you. We may even hop over and visit,” Philip hugged her.
“I love you both and have been so blessed to add you to my extended family. Do visit, and soon.”
“If you need me, I’ll catch up with you wherever you are,” Philip hugged her again.
The Pallisters moved aside so others could speak to Sharon and hug her. Several had goodies for her to snack on and gifts to remember them. Everyone loved Sharon’s gentle nature and her obvious caring about others. Some of the men had privately discussed how they should have taken care of Jeremy before he had hurt Sharon so badly.
With a lump in her throat, Sharon drove off the base waving to everyone and feeling a little like she did the first time she left home.
Will I see these wonderful people again? Will I ever return to Texas?
Chapter Four
Blasts of angry horns brought Sharon back to reality. She was embarrassed to see the cars ahead of her had moved on and she was holding up traffic while daydreaming. In her little green Corsica she had driven over five hundred miles and now the dusk was covering the earth like a soft blanket over a sleeping baby.
Sharon hadn’t noticed that the pewter clouds had become black. Suddenly they erupted in a downpour accompanied by crashing thunder and blinding lightning. Heavy rain, coupled with forceful wind made it impossible to drive at the allowed speed. The wind increased causing the rain to hit the windshield like pebbles. She drove slowly and carefully, leaning forward to gain better vision.
She was concerned because other cars were driving by her too fast on the slick road.
She felt her scalp prickling and cold fingers crawled across the back of her neck. This feeling had come over her previously, and although she wasn’t psychic, she seemed to sense danger.
Telling herself it was just the weather and tension, she was unprepared when she was struck from the rear. Her car fishtailed, then swerved and headed for the steep bank beside the expressway where a deep river leaped and roared below.
Working automatically she quickly took her foot off the accelerator and turned the car in the direction of the skid. Finally able to straighten the car, she drove on the shoulder until she could get back on the highway. Thank God dad taught me to drive under these conditions and not lose my head in an emergency.
“Some idiot driving too fast rear-ended me,” she fumed aloud. “Why didn’t the driver stop to see if there was any damage or injury?” Scrutinizing the side mirrors and rear-view mirror, she was not able to see the car that might have hit her. All other traffic was moving on and none looked suspicious.
“Okay, Steamboat,” she patted the steering wheel, “it’s time to find a motel. I wish I could drive all the way through, but it’s safer to stop during this storm. After all, there’s lots of miles to cover yet. Boy! If Agnes could hear me talking to you, she’d really doubt my sanity and be happy to shout it to the world.” She chuckled. Talking her thoughts aloud had always helped her to think more clearly.
After about half an hour, several neon signs flickered ‘no vacancy’ before she saw one in the distance that looked promising. Leaving I-10 she exited into Midway, Florida.
Ahead, and to the right, was a Rest Best Motel and Restaurant. Sharon pulled under the canopy in front of the motel office.
She eased out of the car still too stiff to move quickly. Her ribs were still tender and she felt the strain of the drive. At least the rain has let up, she thought thankfully.
Sharon heard the blaring television before she opened the motel office door. Inside, the noise was almost unbearable. Clearing her throat didn’t get the man’s attention that she could see in the open room next to the office. He was sitting forward, on the edge of his chair, intently watching “True Stories Of The Highway Patrol.”
“Excuse me,” she spoke loudly. No response. “Sir, I need a room,” she stated a little louder, tempted to pound on the desk. She was exhausted.
A short, obese woman came shuffling out of a back room chewing on a thick ham sandwich. Her backless house slippers slapped the floor as she moved.
“That ole fool can’t hear you. He has hearing aids and won’t wear them. He just drives the rest of us crazy. Herman,” she screamed. “Consarn it. Turn that fool thing down.”
The man waved his hand over his head without turning around and leaned forward. Sharon was astonished to hear him cheering for the criminals.
“Whatcha want, honey? A room for the night?” The woman grinned at Sharon.
“Yes, please.”
“Wherjha come from?” The woman handed a registration card across the desk to Sharon.
“I --I’ve been in Texas.” Sharon felt uncomfortable giving information about herself to strangers, especially when traveling alone.
“Oh, you’re from Zephyrhills. 1818 North 18th St.,” she read Sharon’s new address on the card. Sharon just smiled and reached for the key. “I’ll pay you now because I don’t know how early I’ll leave.”
Stupid, Sharon, you’re stupid. Why didn’t I give my parents’ address in Fort Lauderdale? Oh, well. It’s too late now. At least I took my maiden name back. She reached for the door to go out.
“It’s room five and you can git ice from the machine there in the hall outside this office,” the woman called belatedly.
Sharon smiled and thanked her as she went out the door. She got in her car and drove about sixty feet to the left, then turned to back against the curb. Getting out of the car she was thinking how tired she felt and how thankful she would be to get to Zephyrhills the next day. She walked to the back intending to get an overnight bag out of the trunk. One foot raised to step on the curb, she grunted in pain as she felt the sidewalk slam against the right side of her head and her right knee plowed into the side of the curb.
“Oh, great! Are you hurt? I crashed into you. Can you move? I’m sure sorry.” A deep, contrite voice spoke somewhere above her head.
“Ooo. I’m going to have a doozy of a headache. Ouch! My knee. What happened? I was minding my own business and innocently going to my room, then this --. What else is going to happen to me?”
“Come on, idiot!”
Sharon was startled when another man’s voice barked angrily nearby. Through blurred vision she could only see dark shapes. The light from the open door behind the man kept her from seeing clearly.
“Let me help you up.” A hand reached down to her. What an odd ring. A coiled snake with ruby eyes and it looks to be solid gold.
“Thank you.” She put her hand in his and struggled to her feet. Hearing the second man cursing loudly, the man, who had helped her to her feet, dropped her hand and ran across the parking area. She saw him open the door of the car and jump in as it took off.
Turning north, the car sped into the darkness.
Sharon limped gingerly to the trunk and got an overnight bag, then hobbled to the door of room five. Unlocking the door, and stepping inside, she drew a relieved breath and turned on the lights.
What else is going to happen? All I need now is for a buil
ding to fall on me. Shut your mouth, Sharon. With your luck that’s the next thing that will occur. What’s that old saying? Oh, yes, ‘if I didn’t have bad luck I wouldn’t have any luck at all’. No. I won’t allow myself to sink into despair. I did ask God to help me and I believe that He’ll help me every way that I need. She took a deep, shuddering breath and gave herself a mental shake.
Limping and feeling slightly nauseated, Sharon went to get a bucket of ice and two Diet Cokes then hobbled painfully back to the room. She put ice in a glass and poured one can of coke over the ice, drinking it with two aspirin.
After a warm, relaxing shower, she dressed in lime green silk pajamas. She brushed her teeth and slipped into bed. The remote control was handy for her to turn on the television, select a movie, set the sleep timer and settle down. She ate some of the snacks her friends had given her and slowly began to feel more comfortable.
Sharon appreciated the soft bed that helped her to relax. Before slipping down against the pillows, she glanced in the horizontal mirror over the long dresser. Seeing her red, swollen cheek, she chuckled aloud. “Beautiful. No wonder the man ran from you, Sharon ole gal.”
Giggling to herself, in spite of her aches and pains, she snuggled down to enjoy the movie. In a short time she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep letting the sleep timer turn the television off.
Sharon groaned and slowly opened her eyes to an irritating noise. Her head hurt and she ached all over. There was that noise again. Wha -- is someone knocking at my door?
“What is it?” she snapped.
“Police. Open up. We need to talk to you.”
She groaned again and dragged her aching body out of bed. Slipping on a peignoir matching her pajamas, and fighting to wake up, she hobbled to the door. Jerking the door open only as far as the chain would allow, she asked irritably, “What do you want? I was sound asleep.”
“Good morning.” A man smiled and touched two fingers to the brim of a western hat. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need some information. It’s vitally important that we talk.” He showed a badge and a card identifying him as Lt. Larry Dauber, Police Detective as he introduced himself. “May I come in or would you rather come out here?”