Chapter Text
May 30, 1985. Wakepine, WI
It was just about 8:15 PM when they finally arrived in the small remote town named Wakepine, located in southwest Wisconsin, hidden between hills and forests that could stretch for miles. The sky was painted in beautiful shades of orange, dark red, and pink. The sun was just touching the crown of tall hills rolling across the landscape; and by pure awe Dalton Wright, a small seven year old, would stare for minutes at times. It was known that south Wisconsin had beautiful hills that mimicked ocean waves, which was out of the ordinary for the two travellers. The state was home to many inns, lodges, and campsites where families would go after their kids finished school for the year. Unlike the rest of families enjoying their summer vacation camping, swimming, playing pool at the inns, Owen Wright would have other plans for the summer. The truck's engine stopped in the empty parking lot of the motel, and a wave of relief crashed into the claustrophobic space within the truck.
Owen let out a long sigh, he was exhausted. After hours of driving, making small stops to McDonalds, filling his truck up with gas, and going back onto the highway made him itch to get to the motel. Owen turned to his right, noticing the tired expression on his son's face. “Well, we made it Dal. Welcome to home- or at least what will be our home for a few days.” Owen announced with the intent of sounding enthusiastic, but really coming out more tired than he wanted. His voice was quite unique, carrying this hybrid Texas and Alabama drawl to his blank Kansas accent. Dalton peeked out through the windshield, taking in the motel's look. It was nothing like home. “Oh.” Dalton muttered, feeling rather uncomfortable in the unfamiliar environment. Owens' smile faded at the sound of his son's “Oh.”, he knew Dal wasn’t thrilled with moving away from Kansas, especially without his mama. Owen stepped out of the truck, giving himself a few stretches. After breaking from the discomfort, he looked up at the sky above, letting the light reflect off of his blue eyes. He ran a hand through his blonde hair, feeling anxious about the next chapter he and his son will turn to.
Owen leaned down, to meet his son's gaze from the truck. “Wanna come and get all sorted out bud? We can go out for dinner afterwards, I know you’re hungry. Trust me, I am too.” Owen chuckled, trying to lighten up Dalton's mood. Dalton’s face lit up from the thought of dinner, it felt like years since he ate; realistically, it’s only been a few hours since the last stop at McDonalds. Owen helps Dalton out of the truck, taking his small hand into his, making their way through the double doors and entering the motel.
May 31, 1985. Wakepine, WI
The truck's motor goes silent as Owen parks in the police station's parking lot. It was early in the morning, 9 AM. The sky was bright with warm colours of red and orange, the sun climbing its way up from the horizon. Owen stared dumbly at the police station entrance, feeling oddly nervous despite already knowing who his boss is. Next to him in the passenger seat is Dalton, who is half asleep. “Dal, we’re here. Cmon’ lets get inside.” Owen gently called, watching his son open his eyes fully. Dalton stretched, then turned to look up at his papa with pure excitement in his hazel eyes. “ I can’t wait to see all the cool police things! You gotta show me!” He exclaimed. Dalton loved seeing cool police shows, cars and gadgets. Whenever he got the chance to talk about his papa to his school friends, he’d highlight the fact that his papa was a police officer who catched bad guys. The little boy grew exponentially more excited after hearing his papa became a detective a few months ago. Owen felt his heart warm up, hearing the happiness in his son's voice, his previous nervousness melting away. “Alright alright, hold your horses. I’ll make sure Uncle Ray shows you everythin’ cool.” Owen chuckles as he takes off his seatbelt and exits the truck. Dalton lets out a giggle and does the same.
***
“Owen Wright. I’m here to see Chief Wheeler today. I’m the new detective.” Owen answered the receptionist at the front desk with a nervous laugh. Owen was holding Dalton’s hand as he waited for the receptionist to confirm his meeting. Dalton was glancing around, watching the glimpse of police officers and other important looking people walking around.
“And who is this with you?” The receptionist asked, looking down at Dalton.
“My son, Dalton. I don’t have anyone to watch him yet. I’m workin’ on that.”
The receptionist nods and picks up the phone, dialing a few numbers. “Okay detective, I'll inform Chief Wheeler of your arrival. He’ll be here in a few minutes.” Owen nods and gives a quick thank you before turning his attention to Dalton. “Alright, lets go sit over there bud. Uncle Ray will be gettin’ us soon.” Owen explains as he takes his kid to the chairs in the lobby.
“Owen. Hello son, it’s good to see you again.” A low rumble of a voice came from in front of them, startling Owen momentarily.
“Ray! Uh- I mean, Chief. Hey, it’s good to see you too. It’s alright my son will be joinin’ us for the tour? I couldn’t find a ‘sitter we got here just yesterday..”
Ray eyed him incredulously, but let it go. “Sure kid. But he sticks by you at all times, don’t let him wander, got it?” He ordered. Owen nodded and looked back at Dalton with a reassuring smile. “Heh, get to see daddy’s work! Come on now, you hold my hand okay?” Dalton cheered, and took Owen’s hand. Owen felt so proud of this kid. Fatherly love aside, the tour started, and away they went. “Thank you for everythin’ Chief, I’m grateful for havin’ this job opportunity. And for allowin’ Dal to tag along. He’s been ramblin’ about this for a couple of days now. Even on the road.” Owen laughed, his face painted with gratitude. He knows his uncle did great work to provide success for him, especially now that he has a son, and he couldn’t be more grateful for that.
“You’re welcome, son. I’m glad to hear the kid’s excited. Now come on, we don’t have all day.” Ray motioned for them to follow him.