Alex
Wade called a meeting at the Honeypot and everyone's here.
The air hangs heavy with tension and we can all tell that Wade's pissed and that isn’t good. He takes the stage and then admonishes The Order.
"There's been a fucking traitor in our midst. Smoke turned against us and tried to kill Zeva because all of you have been talking shit, as if this group is based on just us. I’m disappointed. I’m really fucking disappointed with all of you. This is supposed to be a family."
He slams his fist down on a table and paces the room.
"Our brotherhood is a joke. All those determinations of honor and solidarity, it all means nothing! None of you could tell that someone was plotting against our brotherhood? I'd like to know how that happened. Just how did you let this happen? Don’t you fucking assholes consider Zeva a part of this family too?"
The room is dead silent. No one says a thing. It's true. Someone betrayed us and no one knew and it puts this whole damn thing into perspective.
"We all put our lives on the line and for what? Do you want to die for men who you can't even trust? Because I don't. And guess what? Because of this, we're making things real. The Honeypot and The Order are going legitimate. We're taking this mainstream and we're gonna make a ton of money and never look back."
There is grumbling from the men. Lots of people are against this change. We knew this would happen, but after everything that's gone down, I think Wade, and I, and Jason all realize the validity of Zeva's argument. She's seen death first-hand and how you can't go back. Her argument weighed on us. I know he's doing this to The Order not only for Zeva but for every wife and girlfriend and family that are a part of this gang, whether directly or indirectly.
He's doing it to save lives.
And we have a plan to make even more money than before, so I don't see what the problem could be.
"Anybody who doesn't want to come with us can do so. You can make your own gang, but none of us or our businesses will be a part of it. You can do what you want. You can die for what you want. But it won't be with me."
Wade is serious and he's a leader. I have a nudge that these men will follow him anyway, even into the center of society.
No more hiding.
No more criminal behavior.
"The Order is disbanding as of tonight. So I urge all of you to make your decision very wisely. Things are going to be different around here. There will be no more criminal activity. No more rivalries. It's all over. We're starting anew."
People speak up and argue back and forth. There is semi-chaos for a minute.
"What'll we do Wade? What about being brothers?"
"You are all still important to me and to each other. But I will not die for this, and nor should you. The Order is disbanded."
He leaves the room and everybody is stunned. There are different reactions. Some of the older members are torn. This life is all they've known, but they're tired too of the constant fight. Some of the newest recruits don't understand a damn thing. They wanted to be in a motorcycle gang, but if they want to do that they will have to go elsewhere. And most of the guys don't give a fuck about anything as long as the money keeps flowing in. This makes me realize how shallow it all was. If all they care about is money, then what were we fighting for?
Hearing all this commotion makes me realize even more so that Wade is right. We made the right decision by making things straight. It will all work out in the end for the better. And even though she shouldn't be my reason, for me it's all about Zeva. I will get to have her back, and more than that, her heart will, at last, be at peace. A girl who's known nothing but battle deserves to have a break. She will be happy and that makes me want to ride away from here and deliver the good news to her.
The men seem to want to get on board. Slowly but surely they come around. They will follow Wade anywhere, I suppose. And I hear them talking about the traitor and that's the real thing that no one can believe. It makes them realize this organization was built on distrust. There's no way to guarantee loyalty, even when lives are on the line. It's all over. And me? I'm happy to see it go. I realize now how we all could have died in vain. My life is worth more than that. And I tell them so.
“I believe everyone here knows in their heart the right course of action. All of you are worth more than a bullet. You deserve to have money, and family, and life. Take heed of Wade's words and don't turn your back on this. It can still be a good thing. We are still here but we're just on the right side of the law."
"Yes! We're with you Alex. You can tell Wade."
"Yup. We'll follow him anywhere."
"Good,” I tell them, looking around the room. I was afraid The Order was just a bullshit lie we told to ourselves, but now…seeing the look of pride in these men’s faces…well, fuck, it was a good run. “Let’s go legit, but let’s keep crushing it."
Pretty much everyone is in.
Wade will be happy.