Honey Stone

Holed up

Six days. It had been six days since Honey had heard from the men. Viola had tried to reassure her that this was perfectly normal but Honey could see in her face after the second day that this was anything but normal. Surely someone, anyone would have been in touch by now. Honeys heart flipped at the thought of what she knew deep down. It could only be bad, something must have gone wrong.

Viola's face was pale and pinched, her usually immaculate makeup was creased and fading. Roxie stood at the widow constantly and watched the vehicles passing by on the road, she had never admitted it but Toad was on her mind. Hank cleaned the bar religiously and the glasses gleamed like new.

Honey had missed a whole week of school. Even without the club's express wishes, she had been banned from leaving the sanctuary of the club house. The furthest she had been allowed was a quick trip into town to the diner. Several others were with her including Vi, Mia, Raven and Roxie. There was no one else in the diner so the women had some peace but none the less, Ellis kept a silent look out.

'I don't like this.' Roxie grumbled as she shoved a handful of fries into her mouth.

'What's to like?' said Mia looking sadly out of the window. Her brother was with the club and he'd never gone this long without calling her before.

'I don't have a good feeling. Where are they?' Roxy demanded of no-one in particular.

'How the fuck should we know?' snapped Viola.

'I'm just saying.' said Roxy, holding her hands up in defence. 'I'm worried is all.'

'You're worried!' viola almost yelled 'Preach is out there somewhere, my man; Honey's man; Mia's brother. Who are you worried about, huh? You worried that there'll be less sad desperate fuckers to warm your bed, because let me tell you, people like you can get your kicks anywhere but the rest of us here, the rest of us have only one chance at love and a family. I only have one shot because no-one will ever replace him.'

'Vi, calm down.' came Honeys soft voice 'She didn't mean to upset you.'

'Why are you defending her?' Vi snapped at her friend.

'Because she's one of us. I ain't never had a real family before and you guys are that to me now. All of us. We need to stick together. We're all scared and we're all thinking the worst but if we turn on each other, its going to fall to pieces. I need you guys and we need each other. They're going to come back and we'll be waiting for them.'

That was two days previously and they were still holed up together.

'I need to go home.' Honey announced, standing up.

'Miss Honey, that's not a good idea. 'Hank called from his usual place behind the bar. But Honey was heading across the room purposefully.

'Hank, I love love you, but its my house and my choice. I'm going.' Honey said as she yanked the door open.

'Miss Honey, you mustn't. I had orders.' Hank cried from a much closer position. Honey turned and saw that he was right behind her with his hand reaching out to her.

'You lay one hand on me and I'll make you damned sorry and when Nash comes back I'll tell him you put your hands on me and see how he likes that.'

Hank reeled back, holding his hands up. Even for their own protection, it was forbidden to touch another bikers woman without their permission. Even on orders from her man it was against the rules. Nash would act first, ask questions later if she complained to him.

'Please then, let me come with you.' he implored 'I can't let you go alone.'

'Suit yourself.' Honey shrugged.