Page 8 of Resisting Temptation

His words hit me hard. What he’s describing was my life until Paisley changed everything. I was carefree. Playing ball, partying, hooking up with a new chick every week. I was able to block all the shit back home out and live like there was no tomorrow. But the summer I came back here, she changed all of that. Now, the memories of her and what we had are a constant ache, a reminder of the life I can’t get back.

Parker throws back the remainder of his beer with a bitter laugh. “At least you have some sort of legacy. I wasted half my life.”

“Your time wasn’t wasted. You were serving your country,” Elliot retorts, his voice firm but empathetic. He reaches out and claps Parker on the shoulder. “Don’t ever forget that.”

Parker looks away, his jaw tight. “Maybe,” he mutters, but his eyes betray the pain and doubt he feels. I’m not sure what happened to him during his time serving, but he’s not the same guy I once knew. He carries a sadness around with him.

I fiddle with the key I’ve been wearing round my neck since I was visited by the old dude at the cemetery last week, wondering if it’s time. Every time I to go open the safety deposit box, I’ve stopped myself. What if I don’t want to see the truth? What if I can’t handle whatever we find in there? But I would trust these guys with my life. It’s selfish to drag them into my father’s issues, but I’m not sure I can face it alone.

“Paisley sure hates you. What did you do to her?” Elliot laughs, throwing back the rest of his drink.

I glance at Parker, and I know he’s wondering the same. He was serving the summer we hooked up, and as guilty as I felt about seeing one of my best friend’s little sisters behind his back, the two of us were both adults. We could do what we wanted, and I knew he would eventually get over it if word ever got out. Turns out I should have been more worried about their father. “You guys want to help me with something?” I pull the key over my head, showing it to them.

“What’s that for?”

“A buried safe.”

Parker sits up, taking it from me and studying it. “Where did it come from?” he asks, a curious edge to his tone.

“Some old dude was lurking round the cemetery when I went to visit Mom. Said this will hold all the answers I need about my father. Said he was framed.”

With a serious expression, Elliot examines me. “That’s a big allegation to make.”

Parker stands, brushing off his jeans. “Let’s check it out.” He offers a sly smile. I know he loves this shit. And if anyone can decipher what really happened, it will be him, with his background in the military intelligence corps.

We head to the back shed, and I pull out a couple of shovels, handing one to Elliot, carrying the other myself over to the old oak tree in my yard.

“Where the fuck do we start?” Elliot inspects the tree.

I run my hand over the bark looking for a clue. “He wouldn’t have expected us to dig up the whole yard.” My hand moves over a bumpy part of the bark, andI pull my phone out to inspect the tree trunk, sure enough there is a cross carved into the tree. “Bingo.”

The beam from Parker's phone cut through the darkness as Elliot and I began digging at the base of the tree, the cool, damp earth clinging to our shovels. Soon, I hit something solid – the reassuring thud of metal against metal told me we’d found the box. I dig out the last part by hand and pulling it free I collapse down to sitting under the tree.

When I turn the key in the lock, the safe is almost empty apart from a USB drive and an envelope. I open it and find my father’s handwriting. A shiver runs down my spine. It’s been seventeen years since I’ve talked to him. I was just a kid the last time, and so much has changed since then.

Noah,

If you are reading this, it means the truth has stayed buried for far too long, and I have not been able to clear my name myself. It also means they found me. I failed our family. I want to express my sincere apologies for the difficulties you’ve suffered while we were apart.

I need you to know I am completely innocent of the crimes I’ve been accused of. I have never participated in any of the terrible acts that have been associated with me. They chose to use me as a scapegoat to protect themselves and maintain their operations without any hindrance.

Inside this safe, there is a USB drive. It holds all the evidence I was able to collect before they silenced me. On it, you will find:

Audio recordings, emails and letters, financial documents, and my journal.

I couldn’t leave these items in plain sight, as they would have been destroyed or altered. This USB drive holds the key to revealing the truth and clearing my name. I trust you to use this information wisely and to seek out justice not just for me, but for our family’s honor.

I know this is a heavy burden to place upon you, Son, but I have faith in your strength and integrity. You were always a good and just person, and I believe you have what it takes to finish this. Please, for your sake and mine, pursue this with all the determination and courage I know you have.

Remember, I have always loved you and have never stopped thinking about you. My greatest regret is not being there for you in person, but know that my spirit has always been with you.

With all my love and hope,

Dad

My skin is cold and clammy, my hands trembling uncontrollably as I read the last part. Is he even still alive? If they killed him, whoever they are, there will be hell to pay. I snap up the USB and slide it into my pocket.

“What is it?” Parker asks, his voice heavy with concern.

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