Page 14 of Sor

“Thank you. All of you. I know you’re going to say it’s what we do, but it doesn’t mean everyone always does it.” The others stared at him, then slowly lifted their fists, raising their middle fingers. Sor just laughed, shaking his head.

“Let’s eat, brother. Team Big is already in there scarfing everything down.”

Sor was happy to see Nell laughing with the other women. One thing the belles of Belle Fleur knew how to do was come to the protection and service of their fellow belles.

“Hi,” she said, smiling up at him. He bent down, kissing her in front of the whole world. The others just grinned.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“It’s perfect, Sor. We’re all just fine. I’m just fine.”

“Well, that makes all of us happy,” said Hex.

Enjoying the delicious meal, the men tried to keep the conversation light and fun, making sure that everyone relaxed at least for a while.

“What made you put that safe room in the cabin?” asked Hex.

“I don’t know. Honestly, at first, I just thought it would be a good place to store weapons, but I hadn’t had a chance to put anything in there yet. I’m damn glad that I did, though, and that I showed Nell where it was.”

“I meant to tell you,” she said. “You shouldn’t store film rolls in there. It’s too humid and hot here. The film will eventually crack.”

Sor stopped mid-bite, dropping his spoon, and turned to stare at her.

“Film? What film, baby?”

“There were probably four or five rolls of film along one of the support studs. I just left them there, but you should probably get them.”

“On my way,” said Joseph, standing from the table. Nathan and Parker followed him.

“Where are they going?” asked Nell.

“Honey, I didn’t have any film in there. I don’t even own a camera other than the one on my phone. Are you sure they were film canisters?”

“I know what film canisters look like, Sor. I occasionally take my own photos for jobs that I do, but I use all digital equipment. You’d have to have a darkroom to use film. I don’t know why I noticed them, but I did think it was strange to store them there unless it was something really important.”

“We know someone who does,” said Luke. “I’ll get Ivy and see if she can develop whatever is in those cans.”

“I don’t understand,” said Nell. “Are they not yours?”

“No, baby. They are definitely not mine.”

CHAPTER NINE

By the time the guys returned with the film, it was nearly midnight. They’d searched the property once again for any signs or clues that someone had been there. But no luck. Ivy promised to get to the film first thing in the morning after giving it time to cool down and, hopefully, dry out any moisture adhered to the film.

When Nell and Sor stepped into the cottage, he felt a sense of relief and peace, knowing that they were both safe and sound. He started the fire, hoping to keep the cool fall wind from bringing a chill to the home.

“Are you thirsty? Hungry?” he asked.

“I could use something hot. Tea or hot chocolate?”

“I’ve got both,” he smiled. “I’m a fan of chocolate before bed, so why don’t we do that.” She nodded, smiling at him as he set the small saucepan on the stove, pouring heavy cream, milk, and pieces of chocolate in the pan.

“Wow. You don’t mess around. Only the real thing for you,” she smiled.

“Oh, this was one of my few luxuries in the service. I didn’t want that dried powder crap. I wanted the stuff my mom used to make for me.”

“Is she still alive?”

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