The Truth of the Body (Templer Series) Read Online Free PDF

we swing towards them. Suddenly, Aiden pulls me into a tight hug squeezing every breath from my lungs.
    “I will miss you, Amber. You will write to me, won’t you?” He breathes softly against my neck.
    “I will. I promise. Now get going before you make me cry.” I pull away from him, a lump building in my throat.
    He releases me, walking casually towards his parents. As he climbs into the back seat of the car, he shouts out as I turn away.
    “I will keep you up to date with the Major, Amber.”
    I turn, sharply. “Why? Why would you do that?”
    “Just because.” He smiles and shrugs slowly, his expression now sad. He closes the door behind him and I watch the car drive away.
    ***
     
    Two Months Later
    Hi Amber,
    A quick letter because I’m knackered and really need sleep. It’s been three weeks since I’ve been back here at Helmand. Didn’t miss the heat and dust when I was with you at QEH in Birmingham! But glad to be back with the lads, I can’t lie.
    Great news on getting a studio and gallery for yourself! Will come and visit you there for sure. You are a great artist and you deserve it. Don’t give Drew a hard time for wanting it for you. That is what older brothers do.
    Major Grant is ok, I think. Seems to be kicking ass even harder since he got back here this time around. The other night at meal break, I told him we were in touch, and writing to each other. He gave me a look like he was going to remove my head and use it for target practice. Moody fucker needs to find himself a woman!
    Anyway, don’t go worrying about me. I’m ok. And stop watching all the news items and going on the websites about us. It will drive you mad, honey.
    Take care, lovely lady
    Aiden xx  
    ***
     
    Hi Aiden,
    Thanks for the letter, and all the letters. I love reading them. I’m glad you are ok. Of course I worry about you. But I will ease up on the website and news, I promise.
    The studio and gallery are going great. I know I should not be mad at Drew but I can afford these things for myself. I just choose to do it on my own. Hey, I sold a piece yesterday. £650! And the guy said his wife would probably commission another piece in the near future.
    Dr Rowe says to say hi. It is my last week at the unit next week. Mia and I are planning to do more work for The British Forces Foundation. I will let you know we are up to.
    I received a lovely card from your mum and dad this morning. What have you been telling them about me?!! It was a gorgeous, handmade silk painted Thank You card.
    Oh, got to dash. Someone just walked into the gallery. Will write again soon. Try to ignore the moody Major. Probably work related and nothing to do with you.
    Please take care. Be safe.
    Amber xx
     
    Chapter Nine
    The Old Police Station is a do-it-yourself Art centre in an architectural infrastructure, an occupation of the old Edwardian Deptford Police Station housing artist’s studios, cells for exhibition, independent project spaces, a radio station, band rehearsal studios and social spaces.
    The last Friday of every month is DIRTY COP FRIDAY, the monthly social event and after-party for local late gallery openings with charity fundraising bar.
    The Old Police Cell Block and Fingerprint Room compound has been occupied by a series of concept pop ups. These have included curated Supper Club, Speakeasy Cocktail Bar, Photographic Archive and Cafe.
    To gain studio and gallery space here requires an application to be put onto a very long waiting list. Unless your name is Drew Templer and your brother, Jake, is engaged to Mia Fox . You get the picture.
    However, after my initial frustration at the intervention from Drew and Jake, I have to say I am delighted. I am in the heart of the most ‘happening’ Art scene in London, possibly Europe. And we are also raising money for charitable causes so I could not be happier.
    ***
     
    I tuck my letter to Aiden in the back pocket of my jeans and make my way through the corridors, past the ‘cells’ and