Saying Goodbye

*Joseph*

The ride to the city was quiet. It wasn’t a trip for fun or business. It was to say goodbye to a soldier. I know this will be hard on my men. It will be hard on Sandra. Hard on me. I have to make sure everything is right. Sandra slept on my chest through half the drive, I kept her up and woke her up early, so I was glad to see she got some rest. I looked down at her, still amazed that the universe had brought her back to me. It may not be the most romantic of meetings, but in a way, it was. We took her to hurt a dirty cop who killed my family, and ended up saving someone I thought I would never lay eyes on again. Someone who I had never been able to forget. She was the most beautiful woman I ever laid eyes on, and the strongest. She was the perfect woman to be my wife. She has proven so many times that she is strong enough and smart enough to handle my world. She has proven also that she wants to be a part of it. She is submissive but in control. She was my sweetest taste and my favorite scent. I couldn't imagine a life without her. I don't think I could deal with that now. I stared at her, imagining her tough as nails father. I don't know how he would feel about this wedding but I know he would have killed Ryan. I imagine her friends asking how we met, and us laughing together not wanting to explain that I kidnapped her and put her in a cage. I shook my head and looked out the window. What a story we have.  

When we pulled up to the city house, I saw a lot of new faces blended in with the ones that had been around. I imagine Jackson would have got along with all of them. I woke Sandra with a kiss on the forehead. “It’s time for the show.” I said, letting her know Smoke had to come out now. I have to stay cold and strong in front of the men outside of the close-knit group, the inner circle. I watched as Seven checked his surroundings and around the car before opening the doors to let Sandra out. He was trained well. “Thank You, Seven!” Sandra said as she stepped down out of the SUV.  I got out next and the others followed. They always form a small posse behind me. The guards walk to my sides and in front of me. Just in case someone was waiting to shoot me or something. Sandra stayed beside me as well. I couldn’t hold her like I would like to. It would show my weakness. She was only to walk beside me. She had to keep her head down to not show her face. I couldn’t allow anyone else to use her against me. Jay stood close to her; it was still his job to keep her safe. He took his job seriously, and he loves her. She is his family and I know I don't have to keep looking at her, I know he is.  

As soon as we got through the door, we were met by some territory leaders and Sophia. She grabbed Sandra and threw her arms around her. “Oh, darlin, aren’t you just a sunflower in a patch of weeds.” She looked around to the rest of us. I imagine we were the weeds she spoke of. Jay stepped forward and I shook my head to let him know everything was okay. “You ladies may go.” I said sharply. Sophia nodded and pulled Sandra away. I looked to Hector. “Are we ready for the service? The food, flowers, everything in place?” Hector nodded and told me Sophia had everything ready to go. This evening, we will have a dinner in Jackson’s honor. We will have a meal in the largest conference room with whoever chooses to attend. Catered by one of our trusted establishments. “Henry will check out the plan for the dinner and make changes as he sees fit.” I nodded to Henry and he headed to the kitchen. After dinner we will have a service in the garden. Jackson will be held in a black matte casket with a brotherhood crest on the sides, line in 24k gold. He will be dressed in an Armani suit and surrounded by black and red roses. The closest to him will get to go in first, to pay respects, and then the rest can follow. This is tradition and the way we always do this. After the service he will be taken for cremation and we will have a large party. We will celebrate his life. Tomorrow at noon, I will spread his ashes in the garden among the other soldiers we have lost. I will talk of his bravery and courage. His loyalty. I will make a speech and then he will be in his final resting place among the beautiful flowers. Hector stood there filling me in on everything. Jackson was already in the garden. We were ready to start.  

I called for the girls and together we all headed to the conference room. We allowed the others to come in once we were seated. Hector said grace, thanking God for the privilege to have Jackson for as long as we did. The room was loud until everyone began eating. Henry was satisfied with the “slight” changes he had made to the menu. He smiled while everyone enjoyed their plate. We toasted a glass of wine before heading to the garden. I watched as one by one the leaders walked up and placed a rose in the casket. When they were done, one by one, our circle headed up. Jay was the hardest to watch, slumped slightly and holding back tears. A titan in his own right brought down by the pain of losing a brother. He placed a black rose inside and closed his eyes. He whispered something, patted Jackson’s chest, and walked to a chair. Sandra walked up next, tears streaming down her cheeks, she thanked him, kissed his cheek and placed a red rose in his hand. “I'm so sorry Jackson.” She said before walking back to me. “Are you okay?” I asked leaning down to kiss her cheek. She nodded and leaned into me. After everyone had gone up, we all sat in our front chairs and Zeus went to invite the others in. 

It was a lot having all the brothers around. It's part of why I built the safehouse out in the woods. Away from all this. I appreciate each and every member, but I needed a place away. A place to relax, to let off steam, to be Joseph for a while. So many spoke that I could barely keep track. The applause created a rhythm that almost relaxed me. After everyone was done speaking, I stood up. “We have said our goodbyes to his body today. Tonight, we celebrate the beauty that was his life. I thank Jackson greatly for his sacrifice. More than he could ever know.” I looked around the room and noticed many looking at Sandra. “Now let’s go fellowship, drink, and have a good time. Tomorrow, we lay his ashes to rest.” When I sat back down, Hector told the others it was time to go back to the conference room. The food and plates were all gone and there was more liquor and beer in there than in a warehouse. It was about to get rowdy. I thought about the last time Sandra drank around the brotherhood. I told Jay to keep an eye on her. He nodded. She looked over at me as she stood talking to Sophia. Still making wedding plans I assume. She walked towards me. I smiled at her as she got closer. “I am going to go sit with Soph and have a drink. We are looking at dresses and I realized I didn't ask you what the budget was for the wedding?” I was surprised by her question. “Sit down.” I wanted her close so no one would hear what I was going to say. I leaned close to her, in her ear, “There is no budget. You spend whatever makes you happy darlin.” I kissed her neck right below her ear. She grinned and kissed my cheek before heading back to Sophia. I walked to the office, poured myself a whiskey neat, and sat down at the desk. Zeus came in moments later to check on me. “You good Smoke?” He said sitting down across from me. “I am fine, Z. You know I can only handle the celebration in short increments.” Zues laughed out loud. “You are the leader of all those freaks ya know.” I nodded and smiled back at him. “Are the guards in place for the night?” I asked. There are high level guards surrounding the building when I am in town, especially with so many of us in the same place at the same time. Zeus nodded, rolling his eyes before walking back out of the office. I sat there for another half hour or so before walking back out to see the others.

Many of the men walked up to say hello, shake my hand, or congratulate me on the pending nuptials. Hector saw me drowning in young brothers and walked over to me. “Alright, pendejos, let’s give the man some room to breathe.” The others respect Hector as an elder. They did as he said. “How are you doing, boss?” I shrugged, “I am not good with the big gatherings, you know that.” He chuckled and placed his hand on my back. “You gave all these men reasons to fight. You gave them homes, families, purpose. You do plenty for them boss.” I nodded in agreement. I appreciated Hector’s outlook, but Zeus was right, I am their leader and should be present. “Where is your future queen?” He asked, Jay hearing him through the comm telling me she is still wedding planning with Sophia. “Jay, have some fun, I will be taking her to bed soon.” I had noticed before that the woman Jay has been conversing with was around. He needed to be able to enjoy his night. “She is with your wife, wedding planning.” I shrugged and Hector sighed. “Soph was so happy to plan it for her. She is having the time of her life. Thank you, Boss.” I shook his hand and headed to find Sandra.