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Journal

As I sit here in our old home, I feel the weight of time and memories pressing down on me.

There are things I need to share with you, things I hope you will understand when you read this.

I want to talk to you about the trust—or rather, the lack thereof—you should place in the local authorities.

I know it might make me sound like a crazy old man who’s spent too much time out here in the woods, but what I need to tell you can’t wait any longer.

First, I need you to know that you cannot fully trust the police here.

Be cautious, especially around Sheriff Jesse Kemp.

He’s a decent man on the surface, but there's always been something unsettling about his interest in our Wildwood Bed and Breakfast. He’s been trying to buy the property from me for years, always coming back with higher offers and more insistent requests.

How he’s able to come up with as much money as he has offered on a policeman’s salary is beyond me.

When I turn him down he gets upset. It’s as if he’s jealous of this land, though I can’t fathom why.

His persistence is unnerving, to say the least. One thing Brock and I learned through digging up dirt on the man is the sheriff can be easily blackmailed; he has his own penchant for trouble.

If you ever find yourself dealing with him, be careful and stay on your guard.

Then there’s the banker—Mr. Oliver. He is the worst of them all. A true cutthroat, he will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, even if it means cutting your legs out from under you. Be wary of him, Finn. He’s not to be trusted under any circumstances.

I wish we could talk about these things in person.

I wish we could talk about so much more.

The distance between us has been a constant ache in my heart.

You in the lower 48 and me up here in Alaska—it’s been too far for too long.

There are so many regrets I have, so many moments I wish we could have shared.

I hope one day we can sit down and talk, really talk, and heal the wounds that have kept us apart.

I have to admit to you, my dear son. Since my beloved Brock passed away, I haven't been the same. The loneliness has taken a toll on me, and lately, I’ve been struggling with a terrible cough.

I haven’t gone to the doctor yet, but I fear it’s something serious.

Oh, Finn, how I wish I could reach out and hug you, feel your presence beside me.

Please know that despite everything, I love you deeply. Hold this journal close, and keep its words in your heart. If nothing else, I hope we can find our way back to each other… before it’s too late for me, and mend the pain of the past.

With all my love,

Dad

I wipe the tears from my eyes and dry my cheeks as I sit on the side of my bed, preparing to read the last entry.

My stomach aches with my father’s words which settle into my heart and mind.

Swallowing the hard lump in my throat, I look again at the journal and see there is only one entry left to read.

Rocking back and forth, I hold the book to my chest, wishing I had known my father’s inner desires and hopes.

His hopes of a life where he could be free to love who he loved and for he and I to reconnect.

Damn, how I wish we had reconnected.

I step out of my clothes and settle into bed before clutching the journal to my chest and say inwardly, Dad I sure love you .

I pull the journal away from my heart and look at the last entry.

I see it is dated more than a year after the previous one.

What will his words be? Will he have insights to share?

Oh dad, I want you to help me pull off a miracle and save our family business—our family home.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly release it through my pursed lips and let the anxiety drain from my mind.

I want to be in a clear head while I read my father’s last words to me.

October 21 st , 2021

If you’re reading this, it means you’ve come back to the Wildwood and my journey upon this land has come to a conclusion.

I’m so glad you’re here, even if I’m not around to welcome you, but please know I am here in spirit.

I hope you can hear me when you step into the lobby and hear the ring of the door chime.

I hope you can see me in the flickering flames of the fireplace.

Maybe you can still feel me in the kitchen offering my two cents to Doris who never really needs it.

I sure hope you can.

There are many things I need to tell you however, things that I hope will help you save our family’s legacy.

By now, you might be wondering about the money and the loans I took out.

I did everything I could to try and save Brock’s life, but in the end, it wasn’t enough.

The medical bills piled up, and I was left with a mountain of debt.

I tried to keep it all afloat, but it’s been a losing battle.

That’s why I’m entrusting you with this task.

There’s something hidden here at the Wildwood that can change everything.

I’ve left a series of hidden clues for you to follow.

Each clue will lead you to the next, and eventually, you’ll find a hidden compartment.

It’s essential for me to do this cryptically as I don’t know who will be lurking around looking to take hold of this property.

Finn, you must stay strong and save what is rightfully yours.

Follow these clues carefully, my son. Since you and I have not spent much time together, you will need some help with these, and there’s no one better than Wyatt to guide you through. He was so close to me and his father, and he knows this place as well as anyone.

Your first clue:

Begin where the birds sing their morning song, in the place of our fondest memories .

Finn, you can do this. I believe in you.

With all my love,

Dad

I read Dad’s words, my heart beating rapidly.

Despite knowing this is my father’s final entry into the journal, I’m suddenly faced with actual hope.

There is a chance to save our home and my father’s words are going to make it happen.

I quickly throw on my pants, shoes, and shirt and throw open the bedroom door.

Only, I’m not alone as I hear footsteps coming toward me down the long hallway.