30 Days of Dalton

Logan’s conversation with his father to send help in the search for Shane: No, I Understand That I’m Insane

(Warning: Language. Bad language.)

——

“Yes, this is the office of—”

“Yes, I want to talk to him. It’s me. Logan.”

(instant distress) “I’m sorry, this is…?”

“John Logan Wright. The third. His son, if he can remember that far back.”

“Yes, Logan but, um…your father is in a meeting right now—”

“It’s late afternoon, he’s not in a meeting, he’s sitting around watching televisionwhile knocking back espressos. Let me talk to him. Now.”

(more distress) “Give me a moment…“ (Delay. Long delay. Muffled sound. Finally…) “I’ll connect you.”

(Lines switch.)

“Logan, what in God’s name—”

“I need you to send a search party to the Rocky Mountains to find some missing climbers from Walcott School.”

“WHAT? Have you completely lost your mind? What makes you think that—”

“Students. Climbers. Missing. Twenty-four hours now. If you send backup searchers, they’ll be found in time.”

“You’ve got some nerve calling me up and ordering me like I’m a damn—”

“You’re a fucking public servant for god’s sake. Can’t you make use of it for once instead of trying to get better flights and tables in restaurants?!”

“Logan! I swear, when I—!”

“What? Get up from your chair, make some nice flight arrangements, and fly to Ohio to throttle me? That’s fine. Good! I’ll be waiting. But before that, send the search party to Colorado!!”

“Why the hell should I do that? Colorado can handle this without—”

“I’m not telling you because I think they can’t handle it. I’m telling you because I want you to do it. I’m telling you because they need help. Someone from this school has a fucking brother who’s pretty much all he’s got left. He’s missing. He could still be alive. Now can you please—fucking—send—the—search party?!”

(long pause. Deep sigh.)

“…when the hell did you grow a conscience?”

“Around the time you and mom decided you couldn’t be bothered to be mine for a while.”

(snort) “You just do and say whatever the hell you want, don’t you?”

“I learned from the best. He’s sitting in your chair. Are you going to do it or not?”

(irritated sigh) “I…suppose I can make some calls…”

(pause) “…thank you.”

(long pause) “What the hell’s gotten into you?”

“Apparently, medication.”

(derisive snort) “Right. I’ll make the call, Logan, but you better get your mess straightened out there in Ohio.”

“Oh don’t worry. I wouldn’t dream of being around to ruin our perfect life.” (hangs up)