Page 62 of Perfect Chemistry

The whole situation was a recipe for disaster. I was actually trying to climb into my warm tub when I passed out.

But this is about my grief. Because I am irresponsible with my health. Fucking hell.

[You know what you did, Fiona. You are no longer welcome here.]

Fi: [Are you seriously going to disown your own sister?]

[You almost killed me. Fuck you.]

*Block Number?* *Yes*

I needed a fucking break. I sent a request to Marine Corps Headquarters and requested a transfer of duty assignment. I wanted to be closer to Tyson.

Chapter 21

Katie’s Point of View

“Hey, Gunny! Sergeant Major is looking for you!” another marine called out in the office.

I was nearly done with everything anyway, so it was a good time to take a break.

“Tracking!” I yelled back, before logging off of my computer and clearing my desk. I was done for the day anyway.

I grabbed my bag and cap and made my way toward the Regiment Headquarters. I stopped by the first sergeant’s office to hand him my chit requests, and to let him know that I had been summoned by the sergeant major. He just waved me off which meant he knew what this was about.

Entering the command suite I checked in with the secretary and stood by waiting to be called in.

“Gunnery Sergeant Johnson, come on in,” Sergeant Major Ericson called from his office.

I nodded politely to the secretary as I passed her desk. “Sergeant Major,” I greeted upon entering the office.

“Please,” he gestured to a chair. “Take a seat.”

I felt like I had been called into the principal’s office for being naughty, but I had no idea what I had done wrong. So I opted for the fifth and waited for him to start talking before I incriminated myself.

“Did Top speak with you yet?” he asked.

I shook my head. “No, Sergeant Major. He’s been pretty busy today, and was still on the phone when I left to report here,” I explained.

“That’s alright. That gives me the opportunity to explain all of this directly. The new Commandant put out a call for protective service detail nominations. Specifically, she requested that the detail have at least three highly qualified females. You were one of the applicants selected to interview with the Commandant.”

I felt like I had just been punched. “I don’t understand, Sergeant Major.”

“We had fifteen females who met initial screening criteria. After it was narrowed down to the top eight, we submitted the nomination packets up to the Commandant for final selection. You are in the final five from all of the MARSOC units,” he boasted.

I clenched my jaw and thought about how to respond. “Sergeant Major. Though I appreciate the support and confidence in my abilities, I would like to decline.”

This time Sergeant Major Ericson looked confused. “I don’t understand. If you weren’t interested why would you submit yourself for consideration?”

I bit my lip, realizing now why the first sergeant had been dodgy recently. “Sergeant Major, I am separating from the Corps. I submitted my packet today for terminal leave,” I explained.

Sergeant Major leaned back in his chair and chewed on his lip a bit. “How much time do you have left on your contract? Would you be willing to fulfill one tour?”

I smirked and shook my head. “Sergeant Major, I have seven months left on my contract, and 90 days of accrued leave. I am grateful for the opportunity, but I can’t continue to serve with all my heart when I have nothing left.”

We sat there quietly for a few minutes before he changed the subject to my plans for after the Marines. I was honest and told him I had no plans. I had no idea who I was anymore. Everything I had planned became moot when Tyson died. If the Marine Corps was looking for a pound more of flesh, I had nothing left.

I lost my husband. I lost our child. I was blown up and gutted. There was nothing left to hold me. It all died with Ty. When I left, the first sergeant was standing by outside the sergeant major’s office. He smiled and gave me a thumbs up so I returned the gesture, because I am petty. He was about to get blindsided and it made me smile.

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