Christmas day was here. For most it was a time of celebration, thanksgiving and reflection. For Jim, it was just another day. Christmas lost it's magic with the death of his daughter, he didn't really see much point in it anymore. So, instead of doing anything festive, he woke up, had a cigarette, and cooked some eggs for breakfast, as he usually did. After breakfast he took a shower, brushed his teeth, and put on his uniform. He stood in front of his mirror, making sure he was somewhat presentable, and made his way to the front door. As he opened the door, he saw an unmarked black van pulling up his driveway.
The van came to a stop, and man in a black suit stepped out of the car and walked towards Jim. "Mister Hopper, you need to come with me." He said.
Jim said nothing, as walked to the back of the van and got in. In the back of the van was a polygraph machine, and two chairs, one for the man, and one for Jim. Both men sat down in their chairs next to the machine, and the man put leads on Jim, wiring him to the machine . After making sure the was working, he asked Jim the usual questions.
"Have you told any one of what you know regarding the Hawkins Lab testing?" The man asked.
"No." The needle stayed still.
"Have you told any one of what you know regarding the so called, 'Upside Down'?"
"No." The needle remained still.
"Have you told any one of what you know regarding subject zero one one?
"She has a name." Jim growled through clenched teeth.
"Answer the question, Mister Hopper." The man replied.
"No, I haven't." The needle didn't move.
"Ok, we're done here." The man said as he unhooked Jim from the machine.
"Just get the hell off my property." Jim said as he left the van, walking to his truck.
He heard the van driving away as he walked to his truck. He got inside, started the engine, and headed for town. As he drove, he thought about the deal he'd made with the Lab. There was a whole list of conditions, but the one he regretted most was giving up Eleven's location. Sure, the deal had allowed him and Joyce to rescue Will, but was it worth it? Giving up an innocent little girl, who had been poked, prodded and tortured her entire life? She had just tasted freedom for the first time, and he sold her down the river without a second thought. No matter how he tried to rationalize it, what happened to Eleven was Jim's fault, and the guilt ate him alive. And those boys, Eleven's friends, they had their own share of guilt, especially Mike.
Several times Karen Wheeler had called the station reporting Mike missing. Jim had responded to those calls, and found Mike all over Hawkins. Usually around Castle Byers, or the school, still looking for Eleven. Jim wanted to tell him the truth, to tell everyone the truth. They deserved that much. But if he did, everyone that ever came in contact with Eleven would be in danger.
So he kept quiet. Hiding the truth from Joyce, the kids, and especially Mike. If Mike knew for sure that Eleven was still alive, he'd probably try to break into the Hawkins Lab and 'disappear'. But she was alive, Jim knew it, from the box of food that was always empty when he went there at night. She was alive, but somewhere else, be it the Upside Down or otherwise. Even if she was in the Upside Down, Jim knew the gate had closed after he and Joyce escaped with Will. All he could do for her now was keep her fed and hydrated, wherever she was.
When Jim reached the station, it was about half past noon. He was the only one there, as he volunteered to work on Christmas. So he went about his day as if nothing were different. He unlocked the station, walked into the break room, and filled his mug with black coffee. As he took a sip, he walked into his office, and found a plate of Christmas tree shaped cookies on his desk. On the plate was a note which read, 'Merry Christmas Hop -Flo'. Jim took a cookie off the plate, and sat down to do some paperwork.
He had been working for about an hour, when he was interrupted by the sound of the front door slamming open. He got up to go see who had come in the door in such a hurry, and found Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Mike. Mike had a fire in his eyes that made Jim take a step back. But Mike took a step forward, his eyes drilling into Jim's.
"Tell me. Where. She. Is." He said, his voice dripping with hatred.