Temporary Duty: A Christian Novel

By Beth Watson

"He's only here on temporary duty! So no matter how nice he is, he's not going to be here long. And I certainly don't care to just be someone he wants to snuggle up to emotionally because he's away from home and lonely! "Lord Jesus, I heard someone say that a girl should seek a man that loves You totally, with his whole heart, because only then can he love her totally the way she needs him to. That's the kind of man that I want to spend my life with! So I'm willing-and content!-to wait for You to bring that man to me!" Megan Adkins, Temporary Duty With a focus on Christian integrity, moral purity, and sexual abstinence before marriage Temporary Duty centers around Megan Adkins, a single young woman working at the military base where she meets Marine Corps Sergeant Cory Randall who has just been stationed there. Both attend the same local church, both love the Lord Jesus, and both are committed to Biblical obedience. Cory finds Meg attractive and intriguing and wants them to date, but she prefers only a friendship and carefully guards her emotions. Megan and Cory have full lives and involvements with others as they work at the base and serve in ministry at the church. But their mutual friends, the Clayton family, keep the two interacting with each other-and learning Christian life lessons along the way. Choices are presented, and decisions have to be made. As they get to know each other, will they act on youthful emotions or stay true to their Biblical commitments and wait on the Lord to lead them? To contact the author please email at [e-mail]

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098026370

Beth Watson

To contact the author, please email at [e-mail].

Book preview

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Temporary Duty

a Christian novel

Beth Watson

ISBN 978-1-0980-2636-3 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-0980-2637-0 (digital)

Copyright © 2020 by Beth Watson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Acknowledgments

I want to give a thank you to those special young ladies that I have had the privilege of watching grow up at church. Their true commitment to the Lord in modest appearance and attitude not just in their singleness but also now as married ladies is both a blessing and an inspiration.

I give grateful thank you’s to Kelli Swinney, her daughter Kaycee, and Kelli’s mother-in-law, Lois, who critiqued without being cruel.

I also want to give special thanks to our pastor and his wife, John and Nita Brothers. Their commitment to the Lord and to each other has been lived out in humility and honesty and their love for each other over the years has been precious to see.

And I give to my deepest thanks to my dad and mom, Douglas and Audella Evans, who nurtured, protected, encouraged, and loved me unconditionally. They walked the walk before us, and now they both walk with the Lord. And their memory is my cherished treasure.

I dedicate this book as I have my life to my husband, Wayne, who is my Hero, my Champion, my Love,…MY Marine. By his life and his integrity, he has shown me the true meaning of Semper Fi…

Always Faithful.

Chapter 1

Well, if it’s going to be on a Wednesday night, don’t bother asking, ‘Miss Goody Two-Shoes.’ She’ll tell you she’s in church. The sarcasm in the woman’s voice was unmistakable.

In the hallway outside the break room, Megan Adkins could clearly hear her coworker’s remark. She paused just short of the door and sighed heavily. Lord Jesus, she prayed silently, you said that we are to let our light so shine before men that they would see our good works and glorify you. That’s all I have ever tried to do here. And yet Barbara Ann seems to hate me. I’m keeping my focus on you, Lord, but it does get weary some days!

She went by Meg, and the shorter version of her name suited her well. Task oriented, focused, and smart, Meg was very good at her job as systems data analysis for the private contractor creating military computer systems. Combined with being the youngest of the staff, single, and attractive, she was also the recipient of various levels of jealousy from most of the other women, especially Barbara Ann Collings.

Meg had tried to befriend Barbara Ann, but in the eighteen months they had worked together, no inroads had been made. Barbara Ann lived on her past glory of being the Homecoming Queen—two years in a row!—and being crowned Miss County Fair. Now at forty-seven, she was fighting her weight, wrinkles, and loneliness. Twice divorced, she made it known that she was looking for husband number three, so naturally to her every female was competition.

Meg’s commitment to Jesus Christ was lived out in her daily walk, which gave her a totally different mind-set and behavior. Modest in dress and action, her chaste manner and conversation excluded her from the office gossip, off-color conversation, and invitations to after work gatherings for drinks. Added to that was Meg’s contentment with her life choice and joy in even the mundane tasks she performed, making her everything Barbara Ann wasn’t.

And there was the rub—and the sarcastic, behind-her-back name-calling. But, Meg reminded herself, At least Barbara Ann knows where I stand!

She shifted the large box of pastries she was carrying, stepped to the door and smiled cheerfully. Good morning, ladies! I brought some fresh pastries.

Sheila Carrigan looked nervously away, concerned that Meg had heard Barbara Ann’s remark and feeling a bit guilty that she had not defended Meg. Sheila was a capable worker but insecure and fearful for her job. And she had learned through the agony of high school that it was easier to be a tagalong with the more powerful girls than to be the victim of their venom.

Oh, pastries, Sheila nervously tried to respond to Meg’s friendly remark, but I’m lactose and gluten intolerant.

I did remember you telling me that, Sheila. Meg smiled, handing her a white paper bag. My friend is working on a line of pastries for those like you, and she asked me to see if you would test her new muffins. She put a list of ingredients in there and her e-mail address. She would love to have your feedback on it.

Sheila took the bag hesitantly, fearful that Barbara Ann would scold her. Okay, she replied meekly, I can do that. Thanks.

Meg didn’t wait for Barbara Ann to comment but proceeded on down the hall to the large conference room that occupied the end of the office floor assigned to them. Since they were on a military base, a Marine liaison was always present when they were in the building. They had been assigned Master Sergeant Russell Standing Eagle Pierce. A tall, striking, full-blooded Navajo Indian, he took his duties seriously and was very no-nonsense when necessary but underneath had an easy-going, friendly nature. The Master Sergeant was a decorated combat veteran and could have taken an honorable discharge due to the shrapnel still embedded in his back, but he chose his current duty so that he could stay in. The Marine Corps wasn’t just his career of choice but his love, second only to his love for his wife and two children.

Pierce and Meg got along well, and he admired her professional yet caring way with people. While they were not in agreement yet on Jesus being the only way of salvation, Meg was respectful of his Native American Indian beliefs and found his point of view interesting. The Pierce family was high on her prayer list.

The Master Sergeant was always the first one in the office and made sure that the large pot of coffee was brewing when everyone else arrived. It also gave him time to do a personal sweep and assure himself his area was secure. With his morning routine now done, he poured himself a large cup of the coffee and moved to his customary post at the windows.

Bill Watkins and Steve Blevins were also there getting their first cup of coffee and greeted Meg as she entered the glass-enclosed conference room. Both men were in their late twenties and proficient in their skills, which often resulted in an eruption of rivalry when a deadline approached.

Meg placed the box of pastries on the table, invited them to enjoy, and then crossed the room to where the Master Sergeant was standing. Handing him the other pastry bag, she grinned. I was able to snag a bear claw for you.

Megan, when I show up for my annual physical twenty pounds overweight, my wife’s going to kill me!

Well, it’s all Betsy’s fault! If she hadn’t opened the bakery and wasn’t such a great pastry chef, it would be easy to just say no!

He laughed too and began enjoying the tender, delicious pastry.

Meg headed back to her office, a glass-enclosed cubicle halfway back down the hall, where she had left her large cappuccino. Bill followed her out into the hallway, munching on his jelly-filled doughnut.

Meg, I wanted to tell you that my wife got our daughter’s birthday cake from your friend’s bakery. And it was great! The kids actually ate the cake, not just lick off the icing! Thanks for recommending them!

Good to hear! she smiled. I’ll pass that on to Betsy!

Meg knew that her friend’s pastries and cakes were the best and liked promoting their business venture. James and Betsy Smith had been one of the first couples who had befriended her at the church when she moved to the area to take the analysis job. The couple opened Betsy’s Bakery after James had lost his job due to cutbacks. Unable to find employment and with an empty savings account, the couple sold their home. With the small amount of funds left from the sell, they took a lease on a two-story building in town, living in the upper level and opened a bakery and coffee shop on the street level. It was the cheapest way to do both, they said, and it gave them a very short commute to work!

And Meg enjoyed bringing the goodies to the office. Shy by nature, sharing with her coworkers gave her a way to show her appreciation for the staff, all of whom she liked and had learned so much from, yes, even Barbara Ann.

Steve hurried past her office, hesitated, and then came back. Uh, Meg? His voice from the doorway was so quiet that she almost didn’t hear it.

Good morning, Steve! What can I do for you? She smiled.

Steve loved her smile and her friendliness. She never treated him as a techie geek, and with her training as a system analysis, she was able to carry on a computer conversation with him. But trying to get to know her made him nervous.

Uh, Meg, I was wondering… I mean, there’s an electronics expo this weekend, and I was wondering if you would like to go with me—to check out the new hardware, I mean. Not a date or anything. I could meet you there, and we could check out the new hardware…

It’s nice of you to think of me, Steve, but I already have a commitment for Saturday, she responded. Picking up a flyer from her desk, she crossed the room and handed it to him. Our church is having a day of games and activities for the neighborhood kids. You could join us, if you’d like. The address and time are right there.

Steve took the flyer, just as he had every other track and information from the church that she had offered him. Okay, he said, well, maybe another time. One of these days, he thought, I’m going to show up there at her church, and I’m going to find her and sit down right beside her! That’ll really surprise her!

Meg returned to her desk and set about the task of organizing her notes in preparation for the standard morning review of the overnight run of the trial system. The morning brainstorming sessions—as their boss, Matthew Henry, liked to call it—required everyone to meet in the conference room to review the data, and discuss changes and needed improvement.

However, a tap on the glass window interrupted her concentration. Meg looked up to see Matthew standing at the cubicle opening. At fifty-seven, he was the oldest member of the staff. His parents had been missionaries, but he had not followed them into the ministry, choosing instead the educational field, getting two master degrees before joining the staff of a rather prestigious college. Always at odds with the educational system’s secularism and his religious background, he finally went into computer coding and analysis and realized that he had found his niche. During his career as a college professor, he had developed the habit of chewing on the end of an unlit pipe when he was deep in thought. And coupled with his dark-rimmed glasses, customary white shirt and tie, the pipe gave him the appearance of a professor. His ability to handle the staff, most of them just out of college themselves, made him a capable and respected leader.

Good morning! she greeted him cheerfully.

Well, it may not be when I tell you what I need, he replied with a grin.

As long as it isn’t having to work this weekend, I can handle it!

The main office authorized the hiring of a temp to help with the data input…

Wonderful! Meg interrupted. Maybe we’ll finally be able to get Steve’s handwritten data into the system!

Yes, that’s the plan, Matthew went on, but I need to put the new girl in with you.

Meg looked around at her desk and the work tables in her office, all laden with stacks of folders of confidential data. To anyone else, it looked like a cluttered mess, but she had everything carefully sorted and categorized, waiting for entry into the system.

Shouldn’t she be in with Barbara and Sheila? she asked. They’re the ones doing that work right now.

True, Matthew responded, but I would really rather have her in with you. She’s young, just out of business school, and I think you’d be a better influence on her.

Meg smiled, a little flattered and a little flustered at the same time. Okay. We’ll make a way!

Matthew nodded. He could always count on Meg to be workable, not territorial and demanding—such a relief!

The new computer will be brought in this morning and connected to our system. Just make a place for her where it works best for you, he said as he turned to go, and thanks!

Before he had even left the door, the elevator at the end of the hall opened, and a uniformed member of the Marine Corps Military Police guard stepped out, accompanied by a rather nervous young woman. A new job, a strange place, accompanied by an armed MP who happened to be a handsome young man who looked very sharp in his uniform—more than enough to make a girl nervous!

Well, she’s here already, Matthew said, motioning toward the MP. Let me introduce you to her.

The MP escorted the new employee to Matthew, handed him a large manila folder, and turned to go. He spotted Meg and smiled slightly, nodding toward her. Every employee had to pass through security both at the entrance gates and upon entering any building that was accessible to nonmilitary personnel, so the MPs became familiar with the regulars. Meg was known to many of the young men, not just for her attractive appearance but also her congenial attitude when high alerts required every vehicle to be searched upon entering the base; she never complained and always treated them respectfully. Though the men found her attractive and interesting, none approached her because of the white ring they noticed that she wore on her left hand’s ring finger.

Good morning, Lance Corporal. Meg acknowledged his nod with a smile.

He nodded again and left.

Matthew opened the envelope, pulled out the base security badge, and handed it to the new employee. Well, Meg, I’d like you to meet Lisa Butterworth. Lisa, Meg will get you settled, and I’ll introduce you to the rest of the staff when we have our morning meeting—which will be in about fifteen minutes. Ladies.

And he was gone, leaving the two young women standing there looking at each other. Lisa awkwardly fingered her short, brown hair, second-guessing her decision to have a new haircut the day before starting the new job. Meg smiled and crossed the room to welcome the newcomer, remembering her own first days with this group of overachievers.

Meg Adkins. Glad you’re here, Lisa.

Lisa smiled, not a friendly smile, just a response to be polite. She was glad she was being placed with someone close to her age, feeling they might have some common ground.

Meg continued, Looks like we’ll be sharing a space. It’s not the mess that it appears, but there’s plenty of work to go around!

She moved a stack of files from the table against the cubical wall, clearing an area for her new work partner.

Is this your first assignment with the company? Meg asked, hoping to break the ice and put Lisa at ease.

Yes, she replied, moving to help Meg clear the table, I just graduated from college…two-year business degree at the community college. My boyfriend and I are getting married, so I wanted to get on to working rather than more college. Lisa stopped and laughed a bit nervously. I don’t know why I’m telling you all that! Long answer to a short question! Sorry!

That’s okay! Meg smiled. I know your grades had to be good and your background clean to get offered a job with this company! I remember what that was like! But it’s a very good company to work for, so you were blessed to land the job!

Meg moved the files to her desk while Lisa looked around the office. On the wall behind the desk was a large photo of a lake in a fall setting and the quotation, Look your best. Do your best. Be your best. Dr. Charles Stanley. Hanging beside the plaque was a family photo taken at Christmas many years ago. The only other photo was of Meg and her father with her brother, Will, and his wife, Phyllis, taken at their wedding.

Your family? Lisa asked, motioning to the family photo.

My dad and mom, my brother, Will, and I, she replied. It was taken the Christmas before my mom died. The other was taken at my brother’s wedding a few years ago.

Lisa handed Meg another stack of files and noticed the ring on her left hand. She had never seen one like it: a white band with an open heart in the middle and a cross on either side of it.

So you’re married, she said, curious that there was no photo of Meg and her husband among the family photos.

Meg smiled. No, I’m not married.

But the ring…, Lisa stammered, embarrassed, I just thought…

Wanting to have more time to discuss the matter with her, Meg smiled again and said, Lisa, have lunch with me. I’d love to tell you all about my ring!

Before Lisa could respond, shouting erupted from the hallway as Steve and Bill stormed toward the office they shared. Their heated discussion, as it often happened, was escalating into a shouting match.

Meg sighed and thought, Well, the three-year-olds showed up today!

Out loud, she said, Lisa, I’d like you to meet Bill Watkins and Steve Blevins. These are our computer programmers. They’re very good friends, they’re both brilliant, they’re both very competent, and they’re both very territorial. If at all possible, don’t side with either of them when they’re like this—you’ll only lose!

The door to the office immediately across from Meg’s opened and Sheila, her arms full of files, scurried out. She hesitated for a moment when she saw the two younger women, then rushed on down the hall to the safety of the conference room.

That’s Sheila Carrigan, Meg continued. She’s doing the data input that you will be helping with. She’s very shy and timid but really knows the data input program. She’s the person to go to with any questions or help you’ll need with your work.

The confrontation across the hall was growing louder. Suddenly, Barbara Ann stomped out of the office she and Sheila shared and burst into the next office where the men were arguing.

You two sound like kids fighting over the same swing on the playground! If you don’t shut up, I swear that I’ll…. Barbara Ann slammed the office door behind her so hard that the glass enclosure rattled.

Again Meg sighed. What should I tell Lisa about Barbara Ann?

And that’s Barbara Ann Collings, she said out loud. She’s the only one of the staff that Matthew didn’t hire. She was sent in by the company. She’s an accountant and is in charge of all time sheets, costs, and budget oversight for this project. And she’s supposed to help Sheila with the data input, that is, when she has time.

Which she never does, Meg thought. She paused, not wanting to taint the water for Lisa, and then went on to say, "With Barbara Ann, be polite, smile, and stay out of the way as much as possible. Oh, and make sure that you clock in and out every time—otherwise you won’t get paid! She’s a real stickler about accurate reporting of our time!"

The uproar across the hall quieted down as Barbara Ann emerged, still fussing under her breath.

Lisa handed Meg another stack of files. What about you? she asked. What do you do here?

Meg thought for a minute, looking around at her office and thinking about how different her actual workday was from the college education