Chapter Twenty-four
EJ watched as Belle slept, her dark hair spilled across her forehead. On her bed stand, a small worn Bible was marked with a red ribbon. The lantern burned low, reflecting soft rainbows across the bedspread. A crystal goblet remained half full. Uneaten toast sat on a china plate. What things filled Belle’s mind while she slept? Images of a life left unlived, demons from the one she had? EJ put a few sticks in the fireplace, observing the sword over the mantel, the symbol of some military conquest in years past. A small c***k in the blade was the only sign of its actual use. She turned when she heard the coughing.
“Hey, sleepy.” EJ took a damp rag and wiped Belle’s face. “I know you don’t want to, but you have to eat.”
She called out the door, “Charlie, can you bring
