The next morning Hopper woke up with a sleeping kid on his lap and a teenage boy lying on his couch silently crying into a pillow.
Carefully picking up Jane he laid her on her bed thankful that she didn't attend public school due to her circumstances.
Going into the kitchen he started the coffee pot. He made William some eggos and a cup of milk and brought it in.
The kid's blue eyes swam with tears as Hopper helped him sit up. "Eat up William, you've had a hard night," Hopper said and headed back to the kitchen to make himself something.
A few minutes later William came into the kitchen and because of how shaky he was the plate slipped out of his hand and fell to the floor shattering into a million pieces.
William froze. His face went pale and out of what Hopper could only take as an automatic reflex brought his arms up to cover his face.
"You're safe here William. Broken dishes happen. You're not in trouble" Hopper said softly and was relieved when the kid lowered his arms, the color slowly returning to his face.
Hopper led him back to the couch and got the kid to sit down.
"William, can you tell me everything so I can get you legally away from the pain," Hopper said, placing a hand on the kid's knee.
William looked at Hopper and nodded.
"When I was ten my mom got up and abandoned me with my abusive dad. We lived in San Diego at that time.
About a year later my dad remarried and with that came my stepmom who didn't care what my dad did to me and my stepsister Max.
Max and I had a good relationship but I'm pretty sure Neil ruined that on purpose.
Anyways, we moved here a couple weeks ago and things are just the same as when we were in San Diego.
I got invited to a Halloween party yesterday and ended up getting bombed and that's when I ran into you.
I am afraid though if I don't go home he will start to hurt Max" William said taking a deep breath and laying his head against the back of the couch.
Hopper took a deep breath and looked William straight in his eyes and said "you won't be going back and we will get Max to safety William. You two can live with me and Jane here".
Without notice, William threw his hands around Hopper and gave him a huge hug.
When he pulled away William said with a smile that would knock any living person off their feet, "could you call me Billy? I've always liked it better".
Laughing Hopper nodded and headed to get ready for work, it was going to be a very long and painful day.
Jane got up and went and sat next to Billy. They started talking and laughing making Hopper feel even better about his choice. Billy had a safe space and Jane had a big brother to watch her while he was at work.
Going over to them, Hopper gave Jane a hug goodbye and half expecting Billy to shy away he was surprised when he gave him a hug as well.
"You two stay here, it's safest for you both got it" Hopper asked in a stern but loving tone.
Both Jane and Billy nodded and Hopper headed out to serve and protect.
Neil's work a few hours later
Hopper and his team went in and arrested Neil on the spot.
"You're being charged with child engagement and child abuse Neil Hargrove. My officer here will read you your rights" Hopper said and headed to their next destination with the rest of the team.
Susan Hargrove
The next stop was the Hargrove residence. There they arrested Susan for child engagement.
Hawkins Middle School
After his team had Susan in custody Hopper went alone to get Max from the middle school.
As she entered the principles office after being called in she looked like her brother, pale and nervous.
"You're not in trouble Max. I just wanted to come and pick you up and take you back to my place to stay with me and your brother" Hopper said watching the girl's expression going from fear to confusion.
"I will explain everything when we get there," Hopper said and guided the young lady to his truck.
It was a quiet ride back to the cabin but that's how Hopper liked it. He knew as soon as they got there that the peace would be broken and he would have to deal with teenagers.