Chapter 5
Noah
O n my back lawn, Elliot, Parker, and I are stretched out, looking up at the stars. The rest of our crew left hours ago, but Elliot’s kids are being looked after by his mother, and Parker and I don’t have any commitments, so we can catch up properly. A twinge of pain radiates up my left leg, reminding me of everything I’ve given up this past year. Everything I did for the girl who won’t even talk to me.
“Remember when we were young and felt invincible? Before everything went wrong. I want to feel like that again,” I say, my voice tinged with longing and regret. The last few years have started to take a toll on me.
“Don’t we all.” Elliot chuckles, but there’s a sadness in his eyes. “The last time we laid out like this was the night we destroyed the Bluewater Beach Eels. Those were the days. The Raider brotherhood had it all. Parties every weekend, no responsibility, hot chicks, adoring fans who would do anything just to be part of our crew. Now I have two girls and no idea what the fuck I’m doing to raise them.”
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, and I 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.
Quickly I check behind me before shutting the box. “Not here.” My slightly inebriated mind thought this was a great idea for tonight. And maybe it was time, but if this is all true, I’ve lost seventeen years, and my father was wrongfully imprisoned. Someone needs to pay. “What we saw here tonight stays between us. The only other person who can know is Brody because I trust him, but that’s it. Do I have both your words?”
“We all have secrets we’ve kept for many years, this is no different,” Elliot agrees.
Parker gives a nod. “You have my word.”
“I have to take the job as mayor. To get vengeance for my father,” I say almost to myself. Originally, I just wanted the motherfucker who destroyed my life to pay for what he put me through, but now… Now things are different.
Parker’s hands come to my shoulders. “Whatever you need, you know I’m here for you. I owe you my life for what you did for me all those years ago.” His eyes meet mine with a solidarity he knows I must need right now.
I stare back at him. We all know what he’s talking about. His father. But I just did what any one of us boys would—stepped into help a friend in trouble. They all came to my rescue that very same night. “You don’t owe me anything, but your help would be appreciated. If anyone can decipher what’s on this,” I pat my pocket, “it will be you.”