Honey Stone

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Honey stared at Nash open mouthed. She'd forgotten that he was only sleeping and not unconscious. The photo was something she'd not told a soul about. Not even Viola; but Buzz was a different case.  He made her comfortable and made her want to talk.

'I was sent a photo on my phone, that night.' She admitted and Nash walked stiffly towards them, his face twisted in a mix of pain and fury. 'Someone photographed me through the window.'

'What window? Show me!' he snapped and Honey winced. She did as she was told though and brought up the picture. 

'This was taken that night?' Nash questioned and turned the screen for Buzz to see.  'How come no-one told me about this, you know anything about my woman being photographed?' he spat at Buzz.

'First I heard of it man, doubt the others would have kept quiet either. That means you must have done,' Buzz directed his gaze at Honey who had gone even paler, if that was possible. 'You kept this secret?'

'I didn't mean too. Everyone was gone and the light and the noises then James getting hurt, I guess I forgot then it seemed so pointless to make a fuss over it.' she whimpered, trying to make herself smaller under their intense gaze.

'Honey, someone fucking photographed you through my damn window whilst you were here alone. Who was it? Was it that prick Tommy saw you with? This fucker that thinks he's so much better than me?' Honey chewed her lip and stared at the floor, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

'Hey man, cool down.' Buzz said firmly laying his hand on Nash's good shoulder. 'Girl is doing her best and she don't need you blowing up on her.'

How the hell am I supposed to do that  Buzz, believe me I'm really trying but if no-one tells me what's going on how am I supposed to protect her?'

'You need to take it easy son. Honey's doing her best and she's just had another nasty shock.' Albert said from the doorway.

'What now!' Nash cried in exasperation but when his eyes fixed onto Honey's hunched, tense posture he lost all his bluster and wrapped his good arm round her, pulling her in and kissing her hair. 'Come on sweetheart, I got you now. I'm sorry babe, I don't blame you but when you're not upfront with me it makes me crazy. I need you to tell me about crap like this.'

Honey sobbed against him and gripped onto him like she had all those nights back in Arizona. 'I'm sorry James, I was going to tell you about him but I thought you'd blame me. I swear I haven't led him on. I swear it. He just started popping up. Tommy warned him off and I thought that would be the end.'

'Hey, hey, come on now angel. Don't cry. I'll sort it all out. I'll kill the bastard if he so much as lays a hand on you. You know I will. So what's happened now. He done something else?'

'He sent her flowers.' Buzz said gently as he combed his fingers through Honeys long hair.

'Flowers?' Nash was confused. 'Do we know its him?'

'You don't understand Jamie, that's how I knew someone had got in before. There were flowers left on the table. The same flowers.' 

'Okay, get on the phone to the Pres, explain the situation. Get some guys down here ASAP; I want this place locked down. Anyone comes near and I want to know about it.' Nash commanded as he squeezed Honey tightly although it hurt him to do it. 'Sshh now babe, I'm here now. We're all here. No-one's going to get to you. Buzz do you know this kid?'

'Do you know his name Hon?' Buzz said in a strangely gentle voice.

'His first name is Brett.' she muttered, looking at the ground.

'Brett what?' Nash demanded but Honey shook her head. 'He did tell me once I think but I didn't want to talk to him. He didn't take the hint though.

'Brett Trantor no doubt, ' Buzz answered 'fancies himself a bit of a ladies man, but a complete dumbass if you ask me.'

'Is he likely to do this.' Nash hissed as he waved Honeys phone, the picture was still on the screen. 'How did he get the number anyway? Did you give it to him?'

'No!' Honey denied emphatically 'How can you think that?'

'I'm not accusing you of anything love, but this fucker or someone else has your number. So who have you given it to?'

'No one!' Honey stared wide eyed around. 'I don't have any friends outside the club. I don't talk to anyone in school. Nothing has changed since Arizona.'

'What do you mean? Has someone been hurting you? Buzz, what the fuck man, you promised you'd watch her?' James hissed again.

'He hasn't been there James, I've been alone. I'm used to it though, I've been alone a long time. Its okay, really.'

'Fuck Honey, I promised you it'd be different with me. I promised you'd be safe here, that your life would be better. But what do I find huh? dickheads following you, stalking you, photographing you, breaking in. Its fucked up love. Don't you see that, don't you see how I'm failing you.' James was wincing more with every word and his pallor was a sickly colour.

'Son, I think you need to come sit down now.' Albert said firmly from behind them. 'Your girl is fine for the moment. You can sort something out later but for now just take a breath. You'll do yourself no good if you take a turn for the worse.'

Nash glared at the two men in front of him but did as he was asked and allowed Honey to guide him into a chair. Clara fussed about putting dishes out and casting long looks at her husband. Her and Honey jumped a mile when a knock sounded at the door but it opened straight away and Clay strode right on in. He was all smiles but his face fell when he took in the tension of the room.

'Jeez, what now? I cant leave you alone for a moment can I.' Clay said genially, trying to defuse the tight atmosphere. 

Clara pushed her brother into chair at the dining table and chatted inanely as she finished setting the dinner out. Albert was bustling in the kitchen and Buzz sat almost as stiffly as Nash who held Honey close to his side. Eventually when they were all sitting, Clay was filled in with the details. Buzz had made a quick call to Tommy and Nash knew that sentries had been posted around. If anyone came near, they'd know.

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