Honey Stone

Home is where the roses are

It was another few days before Nash was up to being moved. Between them all they got everything arranged and were heading out onto the open road to Nebraska. It would only take a few hours to get there but the journey was exhausting for Nash. He slept most of the way, leaning heavily on Honeys shoulder. She didn't mind though, his solid presence soothed her nerves and her heart.

It was almost dark when Clay pulled up in front of Nash's home. He had hardly said a word all the way back and his silence was driving Honey crazy but she bit her tongue and tried to maintain her own cheery disposition; they were going home.

Jamie, we're here.' She said quietly as she nudged him gently awake. 'James wake up, we're home.'

James opened his eyes and looked around blearily. 'How long I been asleep?' he asked as he stretched painfully, trying to make the blood return to his extremities.

'On and off since Omaha.' Came Clays rasped reply as he heaved his stiff body out of the drivers seat.

'Omaha! 'Nash hissed as he too tried his best to climb out of the vehicle. The pain was nagging everywhere and he felt desperately weak 'Where's my folks?'

'They're coming Jamie, they're going to stay in the motel tonight then help Clay move in tomorrow. Clay is  going to the club from here and staying there till his house is ready.'

'You can stay here if you want Clay, got plenty of room.' Nash said through pain gritted teeth 'Dammit babe, I need to get inside and lie down properly.' Beads of sweat were hanging on his forehead and he was becoming increasing more dizzy.

'Nah son, you got this. Go get yourself into bed. I'm going to get myself over to Tommy's place . Honey, you take care girly and you ring us straight away if anything happens. Can you manage him from here or do you need a hand? Clay huffed as he peered at the younger man.

'I got him' Honey said with more confidence than she felt. In truth she'd been nervous about going back into the house after what happened last time. To bolster herself she braced herself against Nash's side and took some of his weight. Even in his weakened, injured state, his presence made her feel safe and protected.

'Fair enough girl.' Clay mumbled 'I'll grab your bags and get going.' He turned and took the couple of bags from the trunk and followed Honey and Nash. 'I'm sure you'll have some visitors later, just checking in on you, course. I hear that big fella from the school is home. Sure sounds like he missed you.'

Clay dropped the bags just over the threshold of the house, reluctant to step inside. Honey turned her head slightly to see if he was following but he just stood and watched for a moment before shaking his head sadly and turning away, closing the door behind him. Honey continued her slow progress towards the bedroom; she didn't look up until Nash was safely in their bed.

'Can you get me some water please babe?' Nash asked as he fought to get his clothes off. The bandages and dressings were still in place and there was yellowing bruises peeking over the top of the stark white. Honey scuttled out into the kitchen without a word. She grabbed a bottle from the fridge and turned back to the bedroom.

It suddenly struck her that the house was spotlessly clean and fresh smelling. She remembered someone saying that Vi had been round and the place was being watched. Was Viola the only one that had been in here. She remembered the flowers but the table was clear. Icy threads of fear were lifting the hairs on the back of her neck.

She practically ran back to Nash who eyed her strangely. A sharpness was present in his eyes despite the obvious pain. 'Everything okay sweetheart?' he murmured.

Honey nodded rapidly but the words died on her lips. Nash took the bottle and took a long swallow from it, washing down a couple of white pills. His eyes still watched her tight features and he knew she was scared to be here again.

'Lie down here next to me for a while; just let me hold you babe.' he said as he eased himself back onto the soft pillows. Honey didn't have to think about it. She scuttled round and nestled next to his good side, curled up like a kitten. 'Relax sweetheart, I got you now.'

Nash's voice sounded far away as he slipped over the edge into sleep. Honey wanted to join him but she kept one eye on the door and listened to every sound the Nebraskan night could make. Soon though she was sleeping soundly.

Some time later Honey was awoken by the sound of clattering. She listened for a moment, straining to hear over the pounding of her heart. The sound came again. Nash slept on. Honey wanted to wake him but she knew he needed to rest, there was no point in waking him because the was some bobcat nosing about. Still, she was on alert now, listening. There was a different sound now and a laugh. Someone was inside the house. She knew it now, more than one person by the sound of it. She crept towards the door and cracked it open.

Lights were on and there was a warm smell drifting from the kitchen. Tiptoeing out she silently moved through the house. Years of trying to avoid her mother and the various men around made her a master of stealth, still, she wished there was a weapon to hand. Suddenly a shadow fell across her path and she startled. Almost running she leapt into action but hands grabbed her instead.

'Hey hey Honey bunny' Buzz drawled 'Sorry if we woke you but we wanted to check on you and thought you might need some supplies.'

Honey blinked up at Buzz trying to make her foggy brain process what was going on. He swept her up into a bear hug and twirled her round. 

'Hey sweet girl, miss me?' he boomed.  Behind  him she could see Clara and Albert smiling broadly. 'What time is it? How did you all get in?' Honey mumbled.

'Oh we're sorry to wake you. Buzz had a key and we figured that you might appreciate a good homecooked meal after all that rubbish hospital food and take out.' Clara beamed as she took Honeys hands. 'Plus we brought you round some essentials like James' favourite soda and snacks.' 

'Dinner will be about 10 minutes, we're just waiting on Clay. He's due any moment.' Albert said as he straightened up from the oven and holding a tray of delicious looking pies. 'As for the time, its about eight. You been asleep long?'

'James was out like a light, he wanted me to lay with him but I was too tense to just sleep. Every sound had me jumping.' Honey admitted. 'I did seem to get some rest though

'Why? I never did have anyone tell me what happened that night.' Buzz pressed but before Honey could answer a sharp rap came to the door.

'That'll be Clay.' Clara chirped and bounced to the door. 

There wasn't anyone there though Clara was frowning as she turned round and held out a her full hands to Honey.

'Are these for you?' she asked but Honeys blood was roaring in her ears. Her eyes were fixed on the flowers that Clara was holding. 

Red roses.

A dozen red roses, just like last time.

Honeys whole body was shaking. Buzz looked at her frowning himself before realising something was seriously wrong. 'Honey! Honey what does this mean?'

'Its them. Its him.' Honey babbled. 'Oh my god, where's James?' she bounded away to the back of the house but he was laying there on the bed still peacefully sleeping.

'Honey what the hell is this all about?' Buzz almost snapped.

She looked back at him with huge eyes. 'Last time I was here someone broke in. You know that.' she began in a cold empty voice. 'I didn't see anyone because the lights had gone out. There was a lot of banging, then the lights came back on.'

'What do you mean banging? Banging where?'

'Sounded like it was coming from everywhere. The walls, the windows, even the roof. When the lights came on and Hank was here I saw the flowers.' Honey shuddered. 'I hate flowers. My mothers boyfriends would always bring her flowers, it made me sick. So when I saw them I knew someone had been in in that time. I knew someone was watching me anyway because of the photo.'

'What photo?' came a throaty dry rasp. Honey and Buzz both turned to see Nash sitting painfully on the edge of the bed looking furious 'Honey what photo?'