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

out into gallery areas. Ray, one of the resident artists had interrupted my letter writing to tell me I am wanted in the gallery. A very expensive looking lady is stood enquiring about a sculpture Ray enthusiastically tells me. So here I am walking through the corridors ignoring the thoughts of Logan Grant that rush into my head every time I read a mention of him. It has been two months and he is still under my skin.
    As I swing around the corner, I see the flash of red hair and instantly recognise my mysterious potential customer is Mia. Although I am always pleased to see her, I still need very sale I can get. So my heart sinks a little.
    Turning at the sound of my footsteps, she rushes across to hug me tight. “Hey, Amber.”
    “Hi, Mia. What are you doing here? Please don’t tell me you want to buy one of my pieces. ” I shake my head at her, raising a slightly irritated eyebrow.
    She releases me, holding my at arm’s length, fawning hurt. “I will buy one if I want. But that is not why I am here if you must know so you can put that eyebrow down and wipe the disappointed look off your face.” She drawls.
    “So, you are just visiting?” I smile, purposefully pulling the eyebrow down.
    “Well, Jake is off buying my surprise birthday present from Graff in Bond Street so I’m here about to take you to lunch if you will let me. I need to talk to you about something very important.”
    I raise my hands in exasperation. “How do you know about Jake visiting Graff’s? And what is the important news?”
    “Because my gorgeous fiancé left the brochures ‘hidden’ in his bedside drawer. The first place I would look for fuck’s sake! And the important news will happen over wine and food. Now where shall we eat? We have a car at our disposal so you choose. But make sure it is pasta. I’m starving!”
    ***
     
     
    “I don’t think that is a good idea, in fact, it is definitely not a good idea” I take another sip of my coffee, clanging the cup into the saucer anxiously.
    We are sat in Caravaggio. Formerly opened by Luciano Pavarotti in 1996, Caravaggio still remains one of the firm favourites with the movers and shakers of the square mile. Occupying the imposing premises of what was formerly a banking hall, the space has been opened up to create a gallery which runs around the room at mezzanine level. It is my once a month treat with Ray. And I knew Mia will love it.
    “Why is it not a good idea?” Mia waves a frustrated hand, leaning inwards.
    “You know why, Mia! 40 Commando is his unit. I might see him.” I can feel my anger bubbling at the surface. I cannot believe she would suggest such a thing.
    “Yes, true. But you might see Aiden. Imagine how he would love that.” She bats away my anger as though it were an irritating fly.
    “Don’t play that card, Mia. Please!” I feel a tear prick at my eye. Yes, Aiden would love to see me. Especially on a surprise visit to his camp in Helmand !
    Mia has become heavily involved with The British Forces Foundation. Having high profile people support a charity is always good. I know that. But now she has volunteered to photograph and document a surprise gig by Sapphire and supporting artists for 40 Commando at their main operating base ‘Price’ in Helmand Province's Nahr-e Saraj district.
    And she has bagged me a role as creative liaison.
    “I’m not playing any card, Amber. Call it kill or cure. Intervention. Whatever. But it has been two months and you still have Logan Grant under your skin. And don’t lie and say you are over him. I know the signs. Jesus, your own brother had the same effect on me.” She leans forward to squeeze my hand. I snatch it away sullenly.
    “So planting me in the middle of his camp in Afghanistan is going to resolve it. Are you fucking serious?” I spit out at her. “Drew and Jake must be furious with you, as am I!”
    “Actually, if you ask them yourself, they think it is a very worthwhile cause and will boost the morale of